Bauchi Secures $5.7bn Saudi Investment Commitments Across Key Economic Sectors

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Bauchi State has attracted investment commitments valued at more than $5.7 billion from Saudi Arabian partners as part of efforts to accelerate economic development across strategic sectors.

Governor Bala Mohammed announced this on Tuesday while hosting a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Golden Group, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Muhammad Faisal Al-Harbi, at the Government House in Bauchi.

The governor said his administration is committed to making Bauchi an attractive destination for both local and international investors by providing a conducive business environment. He noted that the state’s abundant natural resources, extensive arable land and strategic location present significant opportunities for investment.

Mohammed identified agriculture, solid minerals, oil and gas, housing, tourism and infrastructure as priority sectors for collaboration. He also highlighted the oil and gas potential in Alkaleri Local Government Area as one of the state’s major investment prospects.

As part of its long-term development strategy, the governor disclosed that work is ongoing to transform the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport into a regional aviation hub. According to him, the project will feature modern landing facilities, an Export Processing Zone and an Inland Dry Port to support trade and investment.

He explained that the upgraded airport is expected to facilitate direct flights between Bauchi and Saudi Arabia, making Hajj and Umrah operations more efficient while also promoting agricultural exports and expanding international commerce.

The governor noted that Bauchi records between 3,000 and 4,000 pilgrims for Hajj annually and expressed optimism that collaboration with Golden Group would position the state as a major Hajj and Umrah gateway for Northern and North-Eastern Nigeria.

Mohammed further revealed that international investors have pledged to develop about 50,000 hectares of farmland in the state for large-scale, export-oriented agricultural production.

Speaking on behalf of the Saudi delegation, Al-Harbi expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Bauchi State Government and reaffirmed Golden Group’s interest in establishing lasting business partnerships in the state.

He said the company has over 25 years of business experience in Nigeria and operates in sectors including Hajj and Umrah services, tourism, agriculture, mining, transportation, infrastructure and housing.

According to Al-Harbi, Bauchi offers significant investment opportunities, and the company looks forward to building mutually beneficial partnerships that will contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Both the Bauchi State Government and Golden Group expressed confidence that the discussions would culminate in formal investment agreements and broader technical cooperation, further strengthening economic ties between Bauchi State and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.