Bauchi State Govt approves zero right-of-Way charges to boost broadband investment.
By Newsdesk:
The Bauchi State Government has approved zero right-of-way charges for broadband deployment across the state in a move aimed at attracting telecommunications investors, expanding internet access and accelerating digital transformation.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed announced the policy while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a technology driven economy, creating employment opportunities and supporting young innovators.
He urged telecommunications companies and internet service providers to take advantage of the incentive to expand their infrastructure and connect more communities across the state.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, spoke at the launch of the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026 and the graduation ceremony of more than 100 youths trained in cybersecurity at the International Conference Centre, Bauchi.
He described technology as a major driver of development, noting that digital transformation had become essential to public service delivery, business operations and access to economic opportunities.
Bala Mohammed said his administration had introduced data management guidelines and established institutional frameworks to strengthen digital governance and promote innovation.
He explained that the zero right-of-way charge policy was designed to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment and encourage service providers to extend reliable internet connectivity to underserved communities.
The governor also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving information and communication technology infrastructure, expanding digital skills training and supporting the growth of the state’s technology ecosystem.
Congratulating the cybersecurity graduates, he disclosed that they had completed approximately six months of training and obtained CompTIA Security+ certifications, equipping them with skills relevant to the growing global cybersecurity industry.
He further revealed that the state government had partnered with cybersecurity organisation Protexxa to establish employment pathways for the beneficiaries, with at least 80 per cent of the graduates expected to be placed in employment through the arrangement.
The governor urged the graduates to uphold professional ethics, maintain integrity and pursue continuous learning, stressing that cybersecurity expertise was increasingly important in protecting digital systems and sensitive information.
On the newly launched Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026, Bala Mohammed said the legislation would provide a legal and policy framework for supporting technology based businesses, encouraging investment and strengthening entrepreneurship.
He added that the law was expected to provide incentives and institutional support for innovators, enabling young people to develop solutions to local challenges and establish sustainable businesses.
The governor called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, technology companies, investors and development partners to ensure effective implementation of the law and maximise its economic benefits.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Hayatuddeen Babamaji, said the cybersecurity training programme was launched in August 2025 to equip young people with globally relevant digital skills and prepare them for employment in the technology sector.
Hayatuddeen Babamaji explained that the programme combined practical training, professional development and internationally recognised certification, describing the graduation as part of the state’s investment in human capital development.
He noted that the startup law and cybersecurity initiative were complementary interventions designed to develop a skilled workforce while creating an enabling environment for innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.
The Director-General urged the graduates to continue improving their expertise and use their knowledge to contribute to Bauchi State’s digital transformation and economic diversification.
Also speaking, the Country Coordinator of Protexxa, Abi-Hafsat Abubakar, encouraged the graduates to apply their knowledge in professional settings and remain committed to continuous learning.
She emphasised that the rapidly evolving technology sector required professionals to keep pace with emerging threats, new tools and changing industry standards.
