The Bauchi State Government has announced plans to host its Economic and Investment Summit on October 8 and 9, positioning the state as a rising investment hub with opportunities across agriculture, solid minerals, energy, ICT, and infrastructure.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, the governor of Bauchi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, said true development must go beyond statistics and GDP figures to directly improve citizens’ lives. He explained that the summit, themed “Rebuilding a Resilient Economy: Optimising Investment and Partnerships”, will focus on inclusive prosperity, job creation, and sustainable growth.
“Growth is not an end in itself. Serving the human person and his wellbeing should be the ultimate goal of our investment choices. Our vision is prosperity that is inclusive, sustainable, and felt in the daily lives of our people,” he said.
The summit aims to showcase Bauchi’s economic potential while attracting both local and international investors. Partnerships with Lagos, described as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, were highlighted as key to unlocking opportunities and fresh capital inflows.
The state’s Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Investment said Bauchi is deliberately positioning itself as a hub in livestock, agriculture, solid minerals, ICT, and renewable energy. He pointed to the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development as evidence of the state’s commitment to food security and export-oriented poultry, dairy, and aquaculture production.
He further revealed that Bauchi had been chosen as the proposed site for a Special Oil and Gas Free Economic Zone in Kolmani, following hydrocarbon exploration by the NNPC, a project expected to strengthen industrial linkages and boost energy-related investments. On mining, he said the state hosts more than 100 documented mineral deposits, including limestone, kaolin, gold, zinc, and iron ore, with plans to move from artisanal mining into large-scale processing for global competitiveness.
Beyond natural resources, Bauchi is banking on its youthful population, ICT-friendly policies, renewable energy potential, and ongoing investments in infrastructure to create an enabling environment for businesses. The commissioner stressed that the state is offering not just public-private partnerships but “bankable PPPs” designed to guarantee mutual value for investors.
A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the state’s drive, describing Bauchi as an investors’ destination. He urged the government to align its ambitions with federal economic reforms while calling on investors to look beyond negative narratives and seize the opportunities emerging in the state.
The Bauchi Economic and Investment Summit is expected to bring together policymakers, business leaders, financiers, and international partners to explore investment opportunities that can create jobs, reduce poverty, and transform the state into a centre of shared prosperity.
