Bauchi Approves Zero Right-of-Way Charges to Attract Broadband Investment

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has approved zero right-of-way charges for broadband deployment across the state in a move aimed at attracting telecommunications investment, expanding internet access and strengthening the digital economy.

The governor also called on telecommunications companies and internet service providers to invest in Bauchi, assuring them of a supportive business environment to extend their services to more communities.

Mohammed announced the policy on Tuesday through his deputy, Auwal Jatau, at the launch of the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026 and the graduation ceremony of more than 100 youths trained in cybersecurity.

He said the decision reflected his administration’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure, encouraging 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,” the governor said.

He urged telecommunications operators and internet service providers to take advantage of the policy to expand connectivity, adding that improved broadband access would help residents connect to digital services and opportunities.

Mohammed said technology had become essential to public service delivery, business operations and economic development. He added that his administration had introduced data management guidelines and established institutional frameworks to support digital transformation across the state.

The governor also highlighted efforts to strengthen information and communication technology infrastructure, improve digital skills and create an environment in which technology-driven businesses could grow.

At the event, Mohammed congratulated more than 100 graduates who completed approximately six months of cybersecurity training and obtained CompTIA Security+ certifications. He said the programme was designed to equip young people with practical skills relevant to employment in the global digital economy.

He disclosed that the state government had partnered with cybersecurity organisation Protexxa to establish employment pathways for participants, adding that at least 80 per cent of the graduates would be placed in jobs through the arrangement.

The governor urged the graduates to uphold professional ethics, maintain integrity and continue updating their knowledge, noting that cybersecurity was increasingly important for protecting digital systems and sensitive information.

Mohammed said the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026 would complement the training initiative by establishing a legal and policy framework to support technology businesses and entrepreneurs. According to him, the law is expected to provide incentives, investment opportunities and institutional backing for innovators.

He also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, technology companies, investors and development partners to ensure effective implementation of the law and support the growth of sustainable businesses.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Hayatuddeen Babamaji, said the cybersecurity programme was launched in August 2025 to prepare young people for careers requiring internationally relevant digital skills.

Babamaji described the graduation as evidence of the state’s investment in human capital, adding that the startup law and cybersecurity programme were designed to combine skills development with an enabling environment for innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.

Protexxa’s Country Coordinator, Abi-Hafsat Abubakar, also encouraged the graduates to continue learning and apply their expertise in professional settings, stressing the need to adapt to changing technologies and emerging cybersecurity threats.