Bauchi State Approves Zero Right-of-Way Charges to Draw Telecom Investment

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has approved zero right-of-way charges for broadband deployment across the state, a move aimed at attracting telecommunications investment and expanding internet access. Punch Newspapers reported that the governor disclosed the approval 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.

Bauchi's Zero Right-of-Way Policy and Startup Law

Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, Mohammed 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," he said. "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."

The governor 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 graduates completed about six months of training and obtained CompTIA Security+ certifications. Mohammed said 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," he said.

Bauchi State's Scale and Fiscal Plans

According to akta.pro company records, Bauchi State serves a population estimated at 7.5 million people across 20 Local Government Areas, with a land area of 49,259.01 sq.km. The same records show the state presented a N465 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year, titled 'Budget of Consolidation, Sustainable Growth and Development', anchoring capital allocation on mining, healthcare and infrastructure.

Earlier Bauchi State Developments

On October 19, 2026, the Bauchi State Government commissioned 20 digital 4D ultrasound machines and 73 anti-shock garments worth N625 million for health facilities, EIN Presswire reported. Punch Newspapers reported that on October 6, 2026, the Bauchi State House of Assembly adopted a motion to establish additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the state. On September 23, 2026, Punch Newspapers reported that Governor Bala Mohammed directed commencement of gratuity payments to retired civil servants from 2012-2016, releasing N10bn.

What Comes Next for Bauchi's Digital Push

The Director-General of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Hayatuddeen Babamaji, said the cybersecurity programme was launched in August 2025. The Country Coordinator of Protexxa, Abi-Hafsat Abubakar, encouraged the graduates to continue learning and apply their knowledge in professional settings.