The Bauchi state executive council, presided over by Governor Bala Mohammed, has made several far-reaching decisions in its meeting at the government house, Bauchi. One of the key approvals was the construction of a livestock service center worth over N12 billion under the World Bank project in the state. This project is expected to be a game-changer in the livestock industry, covering over 12,000 hectares of land and encompassing every important sector of the industry.
The livestock service center, described as one of its kind in Nigeria, will be performance-based and implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. According to the Bauchi state commissioner for livestock development, Dr. Musa Lukshi, the project is expected to be completed later this year or early next year. The center will provide essential services to the livestock industry, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
In addition to the livestock service center, the council approved over N8 billion for the construction of physical projects across the 22 tertiary institutions in the state. The state commissioner for higher education and regional development, Hadiza Kango, said that the project prioritizes the construction of perimeter walls in the institutions to guarantee security. This infrastructure development aims to improve the learning environment and safety of students and staff.
The council also approved the merger of the Bauchi state road transport agency (BAROTA) with the state vehicle inspection office (VIO) of the ministry of works and transport. Furthermore, the council approved grade level 09 as the entry point for graduate engineers in the state civil service, up from grade level 08. This change aims to enhance the career progression and remuneration of graduate engineers in the state.
The commissioner for commerce and industry, Ibrahim Aliyu, announced the council's approval for the reconstruction of the Destination hotel, Bauchi, under a PPP arrangement with a Chinese company. The aim is to transform the hotel into a 4-star hotel, with the Chinese partners expected to commence the project soon. This development is expected to boost the state's hospitality industry and attract more tourists.
The state commissioner for works and transport, Professor Titus Ketkukah, revealed that the council approved the installation of solarized street lights from Gidan Mai to Miri, along the Bauchi to Jos highway. Additionally, the council ratified several road projects in urban and rural areas. These infrastructure developments aim to improve road safety, reduce travel times, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
The council also approved the establishment of an agency for development control in the state, aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and development. According to the state commissioner for lands and survey, Abdullahi Gwaram, this agency will play a crucial role in regulating development and preventing uncontrolled growth. The cumulative effect of these approvals is expected to be a significant boost to the state's economy, infrastructure, and overall development.
Key points
- The Bauchi state executive council has approved over N20 billion for various projects, including a livestock service center and infrastructure development in tertiary institutions.
- The projects are expected to be completed under public-private partnership arrangements, with some expected to be finished by the end of the year or early next year.
- The developments aim to enhance the state's economy, infrastructure, and overall quality of life for residents.
