Bauchi Assembly begins legislative process on startup law amendment

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has commenced legislative consideration of a bill seeking to strengthen the state’s digital economy through the promotion of technology-driven enterprises and innovation.

The Executive Bill, transmitted by the state government during plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jamilu Umar Dahiru, seeks to amend the law establishing and regulating the Bauchi Startup Ecosystem.

It also proposes measures to encourage technology-enabled startups, innovation-driven enterprises, digital entrepreneurship, and the establishment of the Bauchi Startup Fund.

Following the presentation of the governor’s message by the Majority Leader, Hon. Saleh Hodi Jibir, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Rules and Business for legislative processing ahead of detailed consideration at a subsequent sitting.

The proposed amendment is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for innovation, attract investment into the technology sector, and promote a knowledge-based economy capable of creating employment opportunities for young people across Bauchi State.

During the plenary, the Assembly also urged the executive arm of government to urgently construct a comprehensive drainage system in Papa, Sabon Garin Papa, and Tsangaya communities in Darazo Local Government Area to halt worsening gully erosion and avert an impending humanitarian disaster.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Sade Constituency, Hon. Dauda Lawal.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Dr Nasiru Ahmed Ala supported the motion, while Hon. Auwal Hassan Yana appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials to residents whose homes and farmlands have already been affected by flooding.

Following overwhelming support from members, the House unanimously adopted the motion and directed that its resolutions, including additional recommendations, be transmitted to the executive arm of government for immediate action.

Furthermore, the Assembly called on the state government to initiate the process of street naming and house numbering across Bauchi metropolis and other parts of the state to enhance security, improve urban planning, and simplify property identification.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Bogoro Constituency, Hon. Musa Wakili Nakwada.

While contributing to the debate, members described the proposal as a vital step towards strengthening security and modernising urban administration. They also urged the government to immortalise distinguished sons and daughters of Bauchi State by naming streets after them.

The Assembly subsequently adopted the motion and resolved to communicate its prayers and additional recommendations to the executive arm of government for implementation.