Bauchi at 50: Population Hits 9.5 million, Poised for Economic Transformation

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Bauchi State has reached a population of 9.5 million, reflecting steady growth since 2012, Governor Bala Mohammed announced during the state’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Speaking in a broadcast marking the milestone, Governor Mohammed highlighted that the state is growing at an annual rate of 3.6 percent, with high levels of immigration driven by the relative peace in the state.

The Governor noted that over half of the population is under the age of 15, presenting a significant pool of human capital that can be harnessed for the state’s economic development.

“As the population continues to grow, the proportion under age 15 will continue to increase, providing a vast potential workforce for the future,” he said.

Since its creation on February 3, 1976, Bauchi State has recorded steady progress in multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The Governor credited the contributions of past leaders, civil servants, and traditional institutions for laying the foundation of governance and development in the state.

Bauchi, occupying a land area of 49,549 square kilometers and bordered by seven states, is strategically positioned as a gateway to the North-East region of Nigeria.

“This location provides opportunities for trade, agriculture, logistics, tourism, and other economic activities,” he stated.

“Agriculture remains the mainstay of Bauchi’s economy, employing about 80 percent of the workforce.

“With an estimated 4.2 million hectares of cultivable land, the state’s annual agricultural output has grown from 1.6 million metric tonnes in 2016 to 6.4 million metric tonnes in 2021. Crops like sorghum, millet, rice, maize, groundnuts, and cowpea dominate production.”

In addition to crops, he stated, Bauchi has a vast livestock population, including over 2 million cattle, 3.8 million sheep, and 5.6 million goats, which remain largely untapped for economic growth.

“The state is also rich in minerals, hydrocarbons, and other natural resources, presenting further opportunities for industrialization and investment,” he revealed.

“Healthcare and education have seen notable improvements under the current administration.

“The state has expanded primary and secondary healthcare facilities and implemented initiatives such as the Drug Revolving Fund and the Health Contributory Management Agency. In education, programs like BESDA and the integration of Tsangaya and Special Needs schools have reduced the number of out-of-school children.”

 According to te governor, Bauchi State has also developed robust infrastructure, including over 3,000 kilometers of roads and additional rural access routes under the World Bank-supported RAAMP project, which facilitates access to markets and social services in previously hard-to-reach areas.

Looking ahead, the Governor emphasised the importance of long-term planning beyond election cycles. The Bauchi State Development Plan 2023–2033 aims to leverage agriculture, human capital, minerals, oil and gas, and tourism to drive sustainable economic growth and social development.

Governor Mohammed concluded by calling on citizens to emulate the discipline and commitment of the state’s founding fathers, stressing that the progress of Bauchi in the 21st century will depend on strong leadership and citizen responsibility.

“With a growing population and abundant resources, Bauchi State is poised to achieve significant economic and social transformation in the coming years,” he affirmed.