27/07/2026
Governor Bala Eyes Stronger Investment Ties with Saudi Firm
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting foreign investment by inviting Saudi Arabian businesses to explore the state’s abundant economic opportunities.
Mohammed made the appeal while receiving a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Golden Group, led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Muhammad Faisal Al-Harbi, ( الحربي)، during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Bauchi.
Speaking, Governor Mohammed said Bauchi has become an attractive investment destination, having secured investment commitments valued at more than 5.7 billion US dollars.
He assured the delegation that his administration remains focused on creating a business-friendly environment for both local and international investors.
While identifying agriculture, solid minerals, oil and gas, tourism, housing, infrastructure, and aviation as key sectors with enormous investment potential, Mohammed particularly accentuated the oil and gas prospects in Alkaleri Local Government Area, describing them as one of the state’s major economic assets.
Mohammed, however, outlined ongoing efforts to upgrade the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport into a regional aviation hub.
According to him, the project includes modern landing facilities, an Export Processing Zone, and an Inland Dry Port, all aimed at boosting trade and improving connectivity. He added that the state is working towards establishing direct flights between Bauchi and Saudi Arabia to support Hajj and Umrah operations, facilitate agricultural exports, and expand international commerce.
He noted that Bauchi sends between 3,000 and 4,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia every year for Hajj and expressed confidence that a partnership with Golden Group would strengthen the state’s position as a major centre for Hajj and Umrah services across Northern and North-Eastern Nigeria.
He further disclosed that international investors have already committed to developing approximately 50,000 hectares of farmland in Bauchi for large-scale agricultural production targeted at export markets.
Earlier, Mr. Muhammad Faisal Al-Harbi (الحربي), lauded the Bauchi State Government for its warm hospitality and expressed Golden Group’s interest in building lasting business relationships with the state.
He further explained that the company has over 25 years of business experience in Nigeria and operates in diverse sectors, including Hajj and Umrah services, tourism, agriculture, mining, transportation, housing, and infrastructure development.
Governor Mohammed and الحربي concluded the meeting with optimism that the discussions would lead to concrete investment agreements, stronger technical collaboration, and mutually beneficial partnerships capable of driving economic development and deepening ties between Bauchi State and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Lawal Muazu Bauchi
Governor Bala's New Media Aide
27/26/07