Bauchi State Vows to Create 1 Million Jobs, Boost Business Through Artisan Empowerment

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to driving economic growth by supporting small businesses and vocational enterprises across various sectors.

Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, the Executive Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Salis Muhammad Gamawa, said the government is prioritizing job creation and skills development at the grassroots level.

He emphasized that the administration will enhance vocational training centres across the state, aiming to provide quality livelihoods and generate over one million jobs, especially for the youth.

Governor Bala also stated that the upcoming Economic and Investment Summit scheduled for October will attract top global investors to the state.

The Governor said, the world is advancing on the strength of business and innovation, urged Bauchi citizens to embrace entrepreneurship as a key to economic independence.

The conference, organized by Global Sight Services LTD, attracted stakeholders from various sectors.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Dayo Bello, praised Nigerian artisans and Technicians as some of the most enterprising in the world.

He pledged that his organization would help Bauchi artisans grow their businesses and become global players.

The representative of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Malam Zakari Ibrahim, appreciated the Bauchi State Government’s effort and urged artisans to register their businesses at a discounted fee of ₦10,000 before prices increase in August as said by CAC.

He also encouraged the state’s Ministry of Commerce to embark on a sensitization campaign to further promote business growth.

The Director of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for the Northeast, Yasir Danlami, assured participants that SON would ensure the production of quality goods and services.

He encouraged artisans to showcase their expertise for the betterment of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Association of Technicians and Artisans (NATA), Yusuf Abdulkadir Waziri expressed the group’s readiness to collaborate with the state government to convert petrol-powered tricycles (Keke Napep) and vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

He also called for the establishment of a CNG training center in Bauchi to train youths in the new technology.

In a goodwill message, a representative from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) pledged continued oversight to ensure the quality of consumable goods in the state.

On his part the Head of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Bauchi State, Alhaji Abdulkadeer Yerima Giade, urged artisans and technicians to formalize their businesses through registration to access growth opportunities.

He highlighted that the Tinubu-led administration has opened doors for entrepreneurs to access loans and funding.

In his Goodwill message the representative of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Alhaji Tatah Bappah advised artisans to report consumer rights violations to the FCCPC, ensuring fair trade practices.

Representing the Bank of Industry, Umar Abdullahi Umar encouraged artisans and entrepreneurs to apply for business loans, starting from ₦1 million, repayable over a three-year period, once they meet the required conditions.

The conference concluded with a shared optimism among participants and organizers, as stakeholders pledged continued support for the empowerment and transformation of Bauchi State’s small business landscape.