The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bauchi

  • FG reaffirms grassroots development with multi-sector projects in Bauchi

    FG reaffirms grassroots development with multi-sector projects in Bauchi

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to grassroots development through the implementation of projects designed to improve livelihoods and expand access to essential services at the community level.

    The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmed, said it was in furtherance of this commitment that the Federal government initiated and commissioned about 10 projects across Bauchi State, aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and emergency services.

    The projects, executed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and handed over to the Bauchi State Government, are located in both urban and rural communities and are intended to plug long-standing gaps in social services, boost economic activity and strengthen public safety.

    They include a newly constructed NEDC State Office to enhance coordination of development interventions; a mega school complex at Dungel along Jos Road to expand access to secondary education; a Medical Emergency Complex at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) to improve emergency response; and a modern fire service station with a fire truck at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Gubi Campus.

    Also commissioned were two Primary Health Centres in Yashi and Shira to improve access to basic healthcare; a renovated Government Secondary School in Yelwan Duguri and a rehabilitated school in Maina Maji to address learning infrastructure deficits; an ultra-modern cattle market in Alkaleri Local Government Area to support livestock trade; and the Kalajanga–Bara–Tashan Turmi bridges along the Bauchi–Gombe Road to improve connectivity and ease movement of goods and people.

    According to a statement on Saturday by Sani Datti, the Head Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, the Minister also inspected ongoing projects, including the construction of two classroom blocks, an administration block and a laboratory at Government Secondary School, Bauchi, as well as the Gombe Abba–Kirfi Road project.

    Speaking during the exercise, Ahmed said the interventions align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and are designed to accelerate regional development.

    Governor Bala Mohammed, who received the Minister and his delegation, said the NEDC’s interventions had complemented State efforts and delivered visible impact across key sectors.

  • Bauchi approves monthly stipends for imams, pastors

    Bauchi approves monthly stipends for imams, pastors

    The Bauchi State Economic Council has approved the payment of monthly stipends to imams and pastors across the state.

    Governor Bala Mohammed presided over the council meeting which held Friday, with top officials from the finance and revenue sectors in attendance.

    Briefing journalists, the Head of Civil Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umar said the approval covers Imams of Juma’at mosques and clerics of various Christian denominations, adding that the payments will be made without discrimination.

    Read Also: First Lady, Ooni of Ife launch ‘Dream Centre’ to mentor young Nigerians

    He said the government is working out the financial implications to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.

    Umar also disclosed that the council approved the commencement of salary payments to newly appointed Emirs and District Heads, noting that adequate cash flow has been provided.

    Meanwhile, the Governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna, said the council reviewed the state’s salary administration and uncovered over 3,000 ghost workers.

    He said the payroll audit carried out with Onyx Investment Advisory Limited, saved the state more than N4.16 billion.

    Haruna added that the state government took over salary payments in August 2024, after which complaints over salary issues ceased.

  • Bauchi approves monthly stipends for Imams, Pastors

    Bauchi approves monthly stipends for Imams, Pastors

    The Bauchi State Economic Council has approved the payment of monthly stipends to Imams and Pastors across the state.

    Governor Bala Mohammed presided over the council meeting which was held on Friday, with top officials from the finance and revenue sectors in attendance.

    Briefing journalists, the Head of Civil Service, Barri. Mohammed Sani Umar, said the approval covers Imams of Juma’at mosques and clerics of various Christian denominations, adding that the payments will be made without discrimination.

    He said the government is working out the financial implications to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.

    Read Also: 2027 Guber: Can Senator Buba Shehu win Bauchi?

    Umar also disclosed that the council approved the commencement of salary payments to newly appointed Emirs and District Heads, noting that adequate cash flow has been provided.

    Meanwhile, the Governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna, said the council reviewed the state’s salary administration and uncovered over 3,000 ghost workers.

    He said the payroll audit, carried out with Onyx Investment Advisory Limited, saved the state more than ₦4.16 billion.

    Haruna added that the state government took over salary payments in August 2024, after which complaints over salary issues ceased.

  • Police nab 14 notorious Sara-Suka thugs, recover knives, machetes in Bauchi

    Police nab 14 notorious Sara-Suka thugs, recover knives, machetes in Bauchi

    Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have apprehended 14 suspected dangerous Sara-Suka thugs in a rapid operation across Bakaro, Kofar Dumi, Tudun Yarima, and Kofar Madaki areas, retrieving machetes and sharp knives.

    Spokesman of the Command, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed in a crime bulletin issued Monday.

    According to him, the suspects, armed with machetes and knives, have been terrorizing residents, snatching phones and cash, and causing injuries.

    “On 15th January 2026 at about 1630hrs, a patrol team acted promptly following reports on the activities of thug members (‘Yan Sara-Suka) around Bakaro, Kofar Dumi, Tudun Yarima, and Kofar Madaki areas,” he said.

    He added that the arrested suspects, aged 18 to 22, admitted to the crimes during interrogation.

    Read Also: Ogun police file six-count charge against blogger Adetoun over alleged cybercrimes

    The Spokesman stated that the police team, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘A’ Division Bauchi, CSP Hassan A. Musa, arrested the suspects, including Abbati, 20 years, Mamman 21yrs, Adamu 22yrs, Khalid, 20 years, Abubakar 19yrs, Mahmood 22yrs, Jabir 21yrs, and Haruna 18yrs.

    The others are Khalid 18yrs, Abubakar 19yrs, Kabiru 20yrs, Anas 20yrs, Mr. Mohammed 19yrs, and Abdulkarim 22yrs.

    SP Habib also relayed a message from the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commending public cooperation and urging continued vigilance.

  • Alleged terrorism financing: Court returns case file in Bauchi Finance commissioner’s trial to CJ

    Alleged terrorism financing: Court returns case file in Bauchi Finance commissioner’s trial to CJ

    A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday returned the case file on the alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing case involving the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others to the Chief Judge (CJ) for reassignment to a substantive judge.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, who handled the case while sitting as the court’s vacation judge, made the order while remitting the case file to the Chief Judge following the conclusion of the court’s vacation.

    In a ruling yesterday, the judge said since the case was a vacation matter and since the court’s vacation had ended, the normal thing was for the file to be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to a substantive judge for further proceedings.

    Adamu, who is a former manager of a branch of Polaris Bank Plc in Bauchi State, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged terrorism financing and money laundering offences.

    Adamu is being prosecuted alongside three others on a 10-count charge. The other defendants are: Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, who are said to be Bauchi State’s civil servants.

    They were arraigned on December 31, last year, during which they pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    In a ruling on January 5, Justice Nwite refused to grant them bail because the offences with which they were charged threaten national security and public safety.

    Justice Nwite ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Prison until the conclusion of the case, granted accelerated hearing and adjourned till January 13 for the commencement of the trial.

    Read Also: Anisiebo expands creative space in visual storytelling

    When the case was called yesterday, no lawyer announced an appearance for the prosecution.

    Lawyer to the defendants, Chris Uche (SAN), told the court that on January 5, the judge indicated that the court was adjourning till yesterday because it was sitting as a vacation court.

    Uche added: “In obedience to the fixing of the case for today, the defendants have been produced from Kuje Prison and we, their lawyers, are also here for today’s proceedings,” he said.

    The lawyer told the court that he met another lawyer, Adebayo Ojo (SAN), in another court, adding that he informed him that he had been engaged by the EFCC as the new lawyer to the prosecution.

    He said Ojo told him that his junior lawyers would be in court for the case. But when the court requested whether any of the junior lawyers were in court for the prosecution, nobody responded.

  • First Lady donates 1,000 bags of rice to Christians in Bauchi

    First Lady donates 1,000 bags of rice to Christians in Bauchi

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to the Christian Northern Nigeria Political Forum (CNNPF) in Bauchi State to support Christians during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Mr Ayuba Dogara, State Coordinator of the Forum, disclosed this on Saturday during the distribution of the items across Bauchi.

    He said the rice would be equitably shared across all 20 Local Government Areas.

    Dogara explained that beneficiaries would include members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), women and youth groups, associations, and other vulnerable persons, describing the intervention as timely and thoughtful amid festive preparations.

    According to him, the gesture reflected solidarity and appreciation for CNNPF members who have supported the nation’s leadership even before the inception of the current administration, showing empathy and recognition of their contributions.

    He linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting its focus on inclusion, compassion, and opportunity for all Nigerians, regardless of background or social status, especially during the festive season.

    “The distribution of Christmas packages to Christian families across Northern Nigeria is a testament to the First Lady’s deep sense of empathy, commitment to national service, and moral leadership,” Dogara said.

    He urged citizens to continue living in peace and harmony, emphasising that meaningful nation-building thrived in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, unity, and cooperation among communities across the country.

    Dogara also called on local government coordinators to ensure fair and transparent distribution of the items, ensuring that the donation reached intended beneficiaries without discrimination or bias.

    In his remarks, Mr Istifanus Manasseh, APC Chairman of Bogoro Local Government Area, commended President Tinubu’s leadership style, noting its emphasis on inclusiveness, citizen support, and programmes that addressed ordinary Nigerians’ needs.

    A beneficiary, Mr Bage Maitandu, expressed gratitude for the gesture, pledging continued support for the Tinubu administration and describing the donation as a symbol of care, encouragement, and shared hope during the festive season.

    (NAN)

  • Bauchi Gov mourns ex-CJN Muhammad

    Bauchi Gov mourns ex-CJN Muhammad

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who died at the age of 72.

    Justice Tanko Muhammad, an indigene of Bauchi State, reportedly passed on in a hospital in Saudi Arabia after a prolonged illness.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described the late jurist as a man of integrity whose life was defined by discipline, dedication to duty, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

    Governor Mohammed said Justice Tanko Muhammad rose through the ranks of the judiciary with diligence and distinction, serving as a Judge of the High Court, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice of the Supreme Court, and later as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022.

    He noted that the former CJN was widely respected for his legal acumen and significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s judicial system, adding that his conferment with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) reflected his impactful service to the nation.

    The governor extended his condolences to the family of the late jurist, members of the legal profession, and the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria.

    “Justice Tanko Muhammad was a patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of justice and the rule of law. His passing is a great loss to Bauchi State, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation at large,” Mohammed said.

  • Bauchi approves 100% salary increase for health workers, introduces rural allowances

    Bauchi approves 100% salary increase for health workers, introduces rural allowances

    The Bauchi State Executive Council (SEC) has approved a 100 percent salary increase for medical and healthcare workers across the state, with special focus on personnel serving in rural and hard-to-reach communities.

    The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Dambam, disclosed this while briefing journalists after an extraordinary meeting of the State Executive Council held over the weekend.

    Dr. Dambam said the new salary structure would be supported by the introduction of special allowances for health workers posted outside local government headquarters, aimed at improving service delivery in underserved areas.

    He also revealed that the council approved the implementation of outstanding promotions for more than 2,000 healthcare workers in the state.

    According to the commissioner, the decisions followed the recommendations of a special committee constituted to assess the financial implications of a revised scheme of service for healthcare workers.

    “The outcome of the committee’s work is a 100 per cent review of the existing scheme, which represents one of the most significant welfare packages ever approved for the health sector in Bauchi State,” he said.

    Dr. Dambam explained that the measures were designed to retain skilled medical personnel, boost morale, and strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities.

    He added that peculiar allowances, including outside-posting allowances, were approved to encourage doctors and other health workers to accept and remain in postings outside metropolitan areas.

    Health workers under the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, he noted, will also benefit from the allowances, thereby ending long-standing disparities in welfare benefits within the sector.

    Read Also: Detty December: Noble Igwe encourages Nigerians to prioritise family

    The commissioner further disclosed that the council approved access to car and housing loans for doctors and healthcare workers as part of efforts to ease their financial burden and improve their quality of life.

    To enhance accountability and efficiency, he said biometric and verification systems would be introduced across health facilities in the state.

    Meanwhile, the State Executive Council has approved N900 million for the recapitalisation of Yankari Savings and Loans.

    The Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Ningi, made this known while briefing journalists on the outcome of the council meeting.

    According to him, the recapitalisation became necessary due to the strategic importance of the financial institution to the state’s economy.

    “The sum of N900 million approved by the state government will not only stabilise the bank but also enable it to expand its operations and contribute more effectively to the economic well-being of Bauchi State through regular banking services,” Ningi said.

  • On Bauchi’s planned recruitment of 10,000 workers

    On Bauchi’s planned recruitment of 10,000 workers

    Sir: It is now exactly six months since the Bauchi State government, under the esteemed leadership Senator Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir, announced the recruitment of 10,000 workers across the state. This initiative was widely welcomed as a strategic effort to reduce unemployment and provide opportunities for the growing number of graduates in Bauchi. However, since the announcement, there has been no official update on the progress of the exercise, despite the high expectations of many candidates who are eagerly waiting to be absorbed into the state payroll.

    The prolonged silence has created tension and uncertainty in the minds of thousands of less privileged applicants, who now question whether the selection process will truly be based on merit. Many fear that the delay, now approaching seven months, may benefit only those with privileged backgrounds. This concern is further deepened by circulating rumours that the selection process is being conducted secretly through unofficial channels, with allegations that certain individuals are acquiring appointment letters at very high prices.

    Some unconfirmed reports suggest that some unscrupulous elements within the system may be selling positions for amounts ranging from N900,000, N800,000, and N600,000, depending on the candidate’s qualifications.

    Read Also: Tinubu unveils new security, economic blueprint to harness Nigeria’s marine wealth

    In view of these troubling allegations, we call on the state government, to launch a thorough investigation to verify the authenticity of these claims. Additionally, we urge the government to expedite the recruitment process and ensure that the entire exercise is transparent, merit-based, and fair to all applicants, especially those who are genuinely qualified and deserving of the opportunity.

    Going so will not only restore public confidence in the recruitment process but will also strengthen the integrity of governance and demonstrate the administration’s commitment to justice, fairness, and equal opportunity. The people of Bauchi State hold high expectations for this government and continue to believe in its dedication to positive change and inclusive development.

    In conclusion, the ongoing recruitment exercise represents a rare opportunity for the Bauchi State government to reaffirm its commitment to transparency and meritocracy. By ensuring that every appointment is earned through competence rather than privilege, the governor has the chance to inspire renewed trust among citizens and set a strong precedent for future governance.

    The hopes and aspirations of thousands of young people rest on the integrity of this process. We are confident that the, administration will rise to the challenge, with decisive action, clear communication, and a firm stance against job racketeering, so that Bauchi can stand as a model of fairness and equitable opportunity for all.

    •Ukasha Rabiu Magama, Magama Toro Bauchi state,

  • Seven rescued after construction site collapses in Bauchi

    Seven rescued after construction site collapses in Bauchi

    Panic broke out in Bauchi on Tuesday when a section of an uncompleted storey building under construction on Sir Kashim Ibrahim Street suddenly collapsed, trapping seven workers on site.

    The incident, which occurred around 3 pm, drew residents and motorists who rushed to assist before emergency responders arrived.

    Deputy Director of the Bauchi State Fire Service, Dauda Pali, confirmed the development, saying his team moved swiftly after receiving a distress call.

    “By 3 pm, we were alerted to a building collapse at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Street, GRA, Bauchi. When we arrived, we verified the report and commenced rescue efforts without delay,” he said.

    Pali disclosed that all seven trapped construction workers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for treatment.

    He added that the agency would investigate the cause of the collapse and urged contractors to adhere strictly to engineering standards to avert future incidents.