Enugu, 30 July 2025 – At a vibrant unveiling in Enugu, Wednesday, Aminu Hammayo, Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, formally invited South‑East investors to the upcoming Bauchi State Economic & Investment Summit, scheduled for 8–9 October 2025 in Bauchi. The event was chaired by former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, and anchored by Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, Executive Secretary of the South‑East Business and Investment Summit (SEBIS), reinforcing a strategic vision of regional economic integration.
Representing Governor Bala Mohammed, Hammayo described Bauchi as a “haven of peace with the greatest respect for the rule of law,” adding, “We’ve built strong institutions … stable, functional and harmonious … capable of adapting to societal trends to ensure social peace, economic development and prosperity.” He formally invited South‑East stakeholders to the October summit, presenting it as a significant opportunity for cross‑regional partnership.
Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who chaired the event, stressed the critical role of private sector engagement. “Government alone cannot salvage the economy. This summit offers an excellent chance for South‑East entrepreneurs to engage with real investment opportunities,” he said.
Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, Executive Secretary of SEBIS, emphasised bridging the historical gap between regions. “The Eastern Economic Corridor once thrived in pre‑independence competition—now we must revive that spirit through collaboration with Bauchi State,” he stated.
Bauchi’s Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Investment, Muhammad Salis Gamawa, listed opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, ICT, renewable energy and tourism, which includes one of West Africa’s largest game reserves. “South‑East investors have much to gain by exploring these areas. Bauchi is open for business, and we are prepared to support potential investors,” he assured.
Prof. Murtala Sagagi of Dangote Business School, Bayero University Kano, added that Bauchi has more than 130 investment‑ready opportunities across ten key sub‑sectors with strong potential returns on investment.
The Summit, themed “Rebuilding a Resilient Economy: Optimizing Investment and Partnerships,” aims to attract sustainable investment, create jobs, increase internally generated revenue and enhance citizens’ quality of life. It is designed to position Bauchi as a leading investment destination in Nigeria’s North‑East.
Officials highlighted the state’s strengths, including 4.2 million hectares of arable land, fertile Fadama plains for crops such as rice, sesame, maize and sorghum, as well as a strong livestock sector supported by Special Agro‑Industrial Processing Zones. The state also has abundant solid mineral deposits and recently discovered hydrocarbons. Through its Bauchi Mining Synergy and Exploration Limited, the government is promoting public‑private partnerships in mineral exploration and processing. Bauchi is also fast emerging as a digital economy hub, with a forward‑looking cyber‑security policy, free rights‑of‑way for network rollout, ICT hubs and a fast‑track registration system for technology investors.
The Enugu unveiling was aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between Bauchi and the South‑East. Officials emphasised the potential for joint ventures, mineral processing and agro‑industrial linkages that would add value to Bauchi’s resources while boosting industrial activities in the South‑East.
L-R: L-R: Former Minister of Power Professor Chinedu Nebo; Secretary to Bauchi State Government Aminu Hammayo; and Dr. Levi Monanu.
The event featured a strong delegation from Bauchi State, including Amina Katagum, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination; Yahuza Adamu Haruna, Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor; Hon. Zakariyya Saleh, Chairman of the Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce and Industry; and Muktar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor.
Across speeches, the emphasis remained on regional integration and shared opportunities. Officials described the Summit as a platform to foster partnerships, enhance investor confidence and promote sustainable growth, underscoring the mutual benefits of a stronger South‑East/North‑East economic alliance. GMTNewsng
