Bala Mohammed Commissions N3.43bn Yankari Projects, Seeks Federal Support for 1,800 Flood-Prone Communities

By Danladi Hassan Kobi

BAUCHI, August 25, 2026 — Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has commissioned major infrastructure projects worth N3.43 billion at the Yankari Game Reserve, describing the investments as a strategic intervention to reposition tourism as a major driver of economic growth and diversification in the state.

The projects include a solar electrification system, upgraded chalets and executive accommodation, as well as improved water supply and reticulation facilities.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed said the investments were designed not only to improve facilities at Yankari but also to unlock the reserve’s economic potential, create employment and stimulate businesses within the tourism value chain.

According to the governor, the solar electrification project was executed at N2.693 billion, while the upgrading of chalets and executive accommodation cost N166 million. The water supply and reticulation project was completed at a cost of N110 million.

He explained that inflation and fluctuations in the prices of goods and services increased the overall project cost from the initial contract sum of N2.982 billion to N3.432 billion, with the Bauchi State Government providing an additional N449.914 million to meet the increased cost.

Governor Mohammed said the initial contract was funded through the Natural Resources Fund provided by the Federal Government.

He commended the Federal Government for the support, noting that the fund had also facilitated the construction of an earth dam and fencing at the Sumu Wildlife Park at a cost of N1.089 billion.

Yankari to Drive Tourism and Local Economy

The governor described Yankari Game Reserve as one of Bauchi's most important natural assets, citing its wildlife, landscapes, warm springs and ecological heritage.

He said the upgraded facilities would improve the quality of services available to visitors and make the reserve more competitive as a domestic and international tourism destination.

According to him, the improved infrastructure would benefit not only Yankari but also hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour guides, artisans, farmers, traders and other businesses operating within communities surrounding the reserve.

He stressed that the government's vision was to establish a tourism ecosystem in which government provides critical infrastructure and an enabling environment, while private investors, communities and development partners contribute capital, innovation and expertise.

N7.7bn Invested in Oil and Gas Academy

Governor Mohammed also disclosed that more than N7.7 billion had been invested in the development of the Oil and Gas Academy in Alkaleri, aimed at strengthening human capital for the oil and gas and solid minerals sectors.

He said the state had also mapped mineral deposits and was developing institutional mechanisms to transform artisanal mining into regulated and revenue-generating cooperative clusters.

On agriculture, the governor said resources had been deployed to provide modern farming inputs, rehabilitate irrigation schemes and expand tractor-hiring services for smallholder farmers.

He added that the state had also invested in upgrading the State Fertiliser Blending Company to boost production using locally available raw materials.

Governor Seeks Federal Intervention for 1,800 Communities

Governor Mohammed, however, used the occasion to appeal for additional Federal Government intervention to address climate-related challenges confronting communities across the state.

He disclosed that approximately 1,800 communities in Bauchi State are vulnerable to flooding and other climate-induced challenges, warning that urgent intervention was needed to prevent further deterioration of their conditions and restore affected livelihoods.

“I therefore wish to call for further intervention of the Federal Government to save these communities from further aggravation of their plight,” the governor said.

He also appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to take into consideration Bauchi State's utilisation of available resources and support efforts aimed at unlocking its economic potential.

Security, Community Ownership Critical to Yankari's Future

The governor said infrastructure development at Yankari must be accompanied by improved security, environmental protection and proper maintenance.

He pledged continued collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, host communities and conservation stakeholders to ensure that the reserve and its access routes remain safe and attractive to visitors.

Mohammed also urged residents and community leaders to protect the facilities against vandalism, misuse and neglect, stressing that the sustainability of the investments depended on collective ownership and responsible maintenance.

'We Are Commissioning Opportunities'

Governor Mohammed said the projects formed part of his administration's broader development agenda covering roads, energy, water, tourism, agriculture and human capital development.

He described the Yankari investments as opportunities for employment, tourism, investment and greater economic participation.

“Today we are not simply commissioning solar infrastructure, roads and renovated accommodation facilities. We are commissioning opportunities — opportunities for tourism; opportunities for investment; opportunities for employment; opportunities for our farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and young people; and above all, opportunities for a stronger and more prosperous Bauchi State,” he said.

The governor called on private-sector investors and development partners to take advantage of the improved infrastructure and participate more actively in the state's economic transformation.

He also commended the state ministries, government agencies, contractors, consultants, traditional institutions, security agencies and communities along the Dindima–Yankari corridor for their contributions to the completion of the projects.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Chief Judge, Grand Khadi, members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, RMAFC Chairman, representatives of the private sector and development partners, tourism stakeholders, traditional leaders and members of the press.