Bauchi govt woos Igbo investors, promises business opportunities

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called on Igbo investors to tap into the state’s abundant natural resources.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, Governor Mohammed described Bauchi as an investor-friendly state.

He urged Southeast businessmen and women to explore business opportunities in Bauchi, noting that his administration has, over the past six years, implemented a comprehensive plan that has significantly improved critical infrastructure needed to drive economic growth.

“Above all, investors can leverage the state’s abundant potential in agriculture, livestock production, extractive industries, renewable energy, and a large human capital base of over 10 million people, among other opportunities, to secure good returns on investment,” Governor Mohammed stated.

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The summit, themed “Rebuilding a Resilient Economy: Optimizing Investment & Partnerships,” is scheduled to take place in Bauchi on October 8 and 9, 2025.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, the governor noted that Bauchi is strategically positioning itself as a prime destination for both local and foreign investors.

“Admittedly, we are now part of the global economy. Our high population growth and expanding middle class create a conducive environment for mass consumption and infrastructure development.

“In a world marked by increasing economic and social interdependence, the challenge is to develop genuine areas of shared prosperity. This involves forging new economic and socio-political relationships based on mutual benefit.

“In such partnerships, some contribute financing and technology, while others offer unique opportunities and rare resources, all within a framework of fair and equitable exchange,” he said.

According to Hammayo, the summit will bring together key stakeholders from across the investment ecosystem — ranging from government officials and industry leaders to entrepreneurs and prospective investors.

He added that the summit’s objectives include attracting new investments, showcasing viable projects through exhibitions and plenary sessions, supporting SMEs through increased visibility and partnership opportunities, and fostering strategic collaborations via MoUs and joint ventures.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the event and former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, commended Governor Mohammed’s proactive engagement with the South-East business community.

“We see this as a promising moment where the governor recognises the role of the South-East and has embarked on this roadshow. It will be a success in October.

“Anyone who thinks government alone can transform Nigeria and grow industry is mistaken; it is the organised private sector (OPS) that will drive that growth.

“Bauchi is doing well by creating an enabling environment for commerce, industry, mining, and agriculture to thrive. The state is rich in minerals, and this presents a great opportunity for people to visit and invest,” Nebo said.

Also speaking, the President of the South-East Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SECCIMA), Humphrey Ngonadi, represented by the Director-General, Dr. Daniel Ochi, expressed satisfaction with the investment prospects outlined by Bauchi officials.

Ngonadi, who also leads the South-East and South-South Chambers of Commerce, noted that there are 17 city chambers in the region, with the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) being the largest. He pledged to mobilise their members to take full advantage of the upcoming summit.

“We are impressed by the information shared and will ensure our members turn up in Bauchi to explore and invest,” he said.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the President of ECCIMA, Odega Jideonwo, and the Executive Secretary of the South-East Business and Investment Summit, Dr. Ifedi Okwena, alongside other top officials and business leaders from the region.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE