Bauchi Starts Reclaiming Billions Lost to Financial Irregularities

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Executive Council has approved a series of policy measures and infrastructure projects designed to strengthen governance, support traditional institutions, recover misappropriated public funds, and expand critical state infrastructure.

These actions reflect the government’s continued commitment to delivering democratic benefits to residents, despite recent political shifts and economic pressures.

Last Monday, the council—meeting under the chairmanship of Governor Bala Mohammed—approved a pay increase of more than 300 percent for all traditional rulers in the state and placed them on the state payroll.

The decision follows the adoption of a new remuneration structure that substantially raises monthly salaries for traditional leaders. The goal is to improve morale, enable effective performance of traditional duties, and help maintain peace and stability throughout the state.

After the council meeting at Government House in Bauchi, Chief Economic Adviser Alhaji Yahuza Adamu briefed journalists. He said the council’s review of traditional rulers’ remuneration is part of a broader effort to strengthen community governance through traditional institutions.

Adamu, who had previously presented the memo on behalf of the Head of Service, explained that the review covers First Class, Second Class, and Third Class Emirs, District Heads, and Village Heads. He noted that many traditional rulers had earned little or no remuneration before the current administration.

He added that the government has already supplied vehicles, housing, and other support facilities for traditional rulers, and that the newly approved package represents an increase of over three hundred percent from previous earnings.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney‑General Hassan El‑Yakub also spoke. He said the council accepted most recommendations in two white‑paper reports presented earlier.

The first white paper followed an investigative panel established by Governor Mohammed to examine alleged abuses of administrative and financial procedures, including unauthorised loans and transactions linked to the tenure of the former Accountant‑General from 2021 to 2024.

El‑Yakub reported that the panel uncovered financial losses amounting to billions of naira. The government has approved disciplinary measures, reforms, possible prosecutions, and recovery processes against individuals and institutions found culpable.

He added that the council also approved a white‑paper report on a visitation panel to Sa’adu Zungur University, covering salaries, pensions, staff unionism, and institutional administration, with directives for immediate implementation of key recommendations.

Commissioner for Works Professor Saul Titus Ketkuka announced that the council ratified 19 road and infrastructure projects across the state, following due‑process approvals by the Ministry of Works.

Approved projects include the installation of solar street lights on newly completed roads around the International Conference Centre and airport corridors, rehabilitation of the Alkaleri road, upgrading of airfield facilities, rehabilitation of roads leading to Gubi Dam and its treatment plant, and installation of a CAT 2 Instrument Landing System at Bauchi International Airport.

Ketkuka noted that these approvals demonstrate Governor Mohammed’s ongoing commitment to expanding infrastructure, improving road connectivity, and promoting sustainable urban development, even amid prevailing economic challenges.