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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has secured a US$91.6 million financing facility from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to fund the construction and rehabilitation of 24 critical roads and bridge projects across the state.
The financing 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 covers the construction and rehabilitation of 24 strategic roads and bridges linking urban centres, rural communities and key inter-zonal corridors across the state.
The infrastructure programme is expected to improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, strengthen agricultural value chains, and enhance access to markets, healthcare facilities 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 industrialisation can only be achieved through sustained investment in infrastructure.
Donkor noted that efficient road networks remain the backbone of economic growth. While commending Nigeria’s progress in diversifying its economy beyond oil, he said continued investment in transport infrastructure is critical to sustaining that momentum.
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He described the Bauchi State Transport Infrastructure Financing Programme as a strategic investment capable of unlocking the state’s vast agricultural and economic potential.
The EBID President also praised Governor Bala Mohammed’s visionary leadership and commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve the lives of the people of Bauchi State.
In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed appreciation 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 commitment to ensuring the successful execution of all projects under the programme, emphasising that the investment would accelerate socio-economic development, expand economic opportunities and improve the quality of life of residents across the 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.
The agreement further underscores Governor Bala Mohammed’s drive to attract strategic development financing and deliver legacy infrastructure projects aimed at promoting inclusive growth and long-term prosperity across Bauchi State.
