Bauchi provides Inland Container Terminal
By Umar Moh’d
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has expressed the desire of his administration to partner with the Federal Ministry of Blue and Marine Economy to accelerate the development of the Bauchi Inland Container Terminal.
The Governor explained that the move will no doubt revolutionize logistics, reduce transport cost, and make Bauchi a major trade gateway for the states of the North-East.
Governor Bala Mohammed was speaking at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria held in Bauchi yesterday, saying he has given directive for the establishment of a new Industrial Layout to host emerging and expanding factories.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, the Governor noted that the state government is also working towards finalizing a modern investor-friendly industrial policy that will provide clear guidance, incentives, and protections for investors.
According to him, his administration is taking deliberate steps to build an enabling environment for industries to thrive, SMEs to grow, and artisans to flourish as without the growth of the manufacturing sector, the dream of sustainable economic development will remain elusive.
“The presence of the members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria here today aligns perfectly with our vision to transform Bauchi from a predominantly public sector-dependent economy into a vibrant, private-sector-driven hub of manufacturing, innovation, and trade. He said
“We recognize that manufacturing is not just about large factories, it thrives when SMEs artisans, and technicians are empowered. Bauchi is currently ranked 4th in Nigeria for Ease of Doing Business, and we are determined to climb even higher. We have removed bottlenecks in land acquisition, established modern markets across our local governments, and constructed a befitting International Trade Fair Complex to host exhibitions, connect entrepreneurs with buyers and attract foreign partners,” he explained
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing training tools and access to finance for SMEs and artisans, ensuring that they are not just surviving but competing nationally and internationally and mentioned the support to includes capacity-building programme, technology adoption initiatives, and partnerships with technical institutes to equip youth with practical industrial skills.
He used the opportunity to invite members of the association to the state’s forthcoming First Bauchi Investment Summit as the summit will be a springboard for long-term collaborations that will expand industrial base, improve access to finance, and create jobs for the citizens.
Governor Bala Mohammed therefore enjoined the association to use the Annual General Meeting to build bridges between government and industry, between ideas and action, between vision and reality so as to create a resilient manufacturing economy in Bauchi that will serve as a model for Nigeria and the continent.
Earlier speaking the branch chairman of the association, Shehu Nyalum appreciated the state government for hosting the AGM and promised the association’s full support for the state to advance and improve its industries for job creation and economic growth and development.
