By Abdulwahab Muhammad SSA communication
AlphapressMedia
In a major breakthrough for infrastructure development in Bauchi State, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, has secured a US$91.6 million financing agreement with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to fund the construction and rehabilitation of critical road and bridge projects across the state.
The landmark agreement was formally signed on Wednesday at the headquarters of EBID in Lomé, Togo, where Governor Bala Mohammed led a high-powered delegation representing the Bauchi State Government.
The Governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Hassan El-Yakub; the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Sadiq Hamisu Shira; and other senior government officials.
Valued at US$91.6 million, the financing facility will support the Bauchi State Transport Infrastructure Financing Programme, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of 24 strategic roads and bridges spanning urban centres, rural communities, and key inter-zonal corridors across the state.
The ambitious infrastructure programme is expected to improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities, strengthen agricultural value chains, and provide easier access to markets, healthcare, and other essential services.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, stressed that sustainable industrialization can only be achieved through consistent investment in infrastructure.
He observed that efficient road networks remain the backbone of economic growth, noting that while Nigeria has made significant progress in diversifying its economy beyond oil, continued investment in transport infrastructure is essential to sustain that momentum.
Dr. Donkor described the Bauchi State Transport Infrastructure Programme as a strategic investment capable of unlocking the state’s vast agricultural and economic potential. He praised Governor Bala Mohammed’s visionary leadership and commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure that will improve the lives of citizens.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed gratitude to the President, Management, and staff of EBID for their confidence in Bauchi State. He assured the bank that the financing would be managed with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to ensure the successful execution of all projects under the programme, emphasizing that the investment would accelerate socio-economic development, expand economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for people across Bauchi State.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the financing agreement and other project documents by officials of the Bauchi State Government and EBID, marking a historic milestone in Bauchi’s journey towards modern, resilient, and sustainable transport infrastructure.
The agreement further reinforces Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to attracting strategic development financing and delivering legacy infrastructure projects that will drive inclusive growth and long-term prosperity across Bauchi State.
