Bauchi scraps right-of-way charges to attract telecom investors

Politics Spice Special Features Education Sex & Relationship Interview Columns Opinion Advertise with us Bauchi scraps right-of-way charges to attract telecom investors News October 20, 2026 3:34 pm Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. Photo: Umar Sani

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has approved zero right-of-way charges for broadband deployment across the state to attract telecommunications investments and expand internet access.

The governor also urged telecommunications companies and internet service providers to invest in the state, assuring them of a favourable environment to expand their services.

Mohammed disclosed this on Tuesday at the launch of the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026 and the graduation of more than 100 youths trained in cybersecurity.

Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor said the policy reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting innovation and creating economic opportunities for young people.

“I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved a zero right-of-way charge on broadband deployment across the entirety of Bauchi State.

“We are sending a clear message to telecommunications companies and internet service providers: come to Bauchi, serve our communities at zero cost and connect our people to the world,” he said.

Mohammed described technology as a critical driver of development, noting that digital transformation had become central to public service delivery, business operations and access to economic opportunities.

He said his administration had introduced data management guidelines and established institutional frameworks to support digital transformation and innovation.

The governor added that the government was committed to improving information and communication technology infrastructure, expanding digital skills and supporting the growth of the state’s technology ecosystem.

He congratulated the graduates, who completed about six months of training and obtained CompTIA Security+ certifications.

Mohammed said the programme was designed to equip young people with relevant technical skills and prepare them for employment opportunities in the global digital economy.

He disclosed that the government had partnered with cybersecurity organisation Protexxa to create employment pathways for the graduates.

“Through this arrangement, the government has ensured that at least 80 per cent of these graduates will be carefully placed in employment.

“Your skills are in high demand, and we have already built a bridge to connect you directly to global opportunities,” he said.

The governor urged the graduates to uphold professional ethics and integrity and embrace continuous learning, noting that cybersecurity had become essential to protecting digital systems and sensitive information.

He said the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026 would complement the cybersecurity training programme by establishing a legal and policy framework to support technology-driven businesses.

According to him, the law is expected to provide incentives, investment opportunities and institutional support for entrepreneurs and innovators in the state.

Mohammed said his administration wanted young people to see entrepreneurship as a viable career path through which they could develop solutions to local problems and build sustainable businesses.

He called for collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, technology companies, investors and development partners to ensure the effective implementation of the law.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Hayatuddeen Babamaji, said the cybersecurity programme was launched in August 2025 to equip young people with globally relevant skills and prepare them for careers in the digital economy.

Babamaji said the initiative went beyond classroom training by offering practical learning, professional development and internationally recognised certification.

He described the graduation as evidence of the state’s investment in human capital and commitment to developing a competitive digital economy.

He added that the startup law and cybersecurity programme were complementary initiatives aimed at building digital skills while creating an enabling environment for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.

Babamaji urged the graduates to continue developing their skills and seek opportunities to contribute to the state’s digital transformation.

The Country Coordinator of Protexxa, Abi-Hafsat Abubakar, also encouraged the graduates to continue learning and apply their knowledge in professional settings.

She stressed the importance of continuous development in a technology sector characterised by rapidly changing tools, emerging threats and evolving professional demands.

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