Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has approved zero right-of-way charges for broadband deployment across the state, seeking to attract telecommunications investment, expand internet access and strengthen the digital economy.

Mohammed announced the policy on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during the launch of the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026 and the graduation of more than 100 youths trained in cybersecurity.

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He was represented at the event by his deputy, Auwal Jatau.

The governor said the decision was intended to encourage telecommunications companies and internet service providers to extend their infrastructure and services to communities across the state.

“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,” he said.

He added that the policy was a signal to prospective investors that the state was prepared to support broadband expansion and improve residents’ access to digital services.

Right-of-way charges are fees associated with permission to install telecommunications infrastructure along public roads and other designated routes.

Removing these charges can reduce one component of the cost of deploying broadband networks, although investment decisions may also depend on electricity supply, security, demand and other operating expenses.

Mohammed urged telecommunications operators to take advantage of the policy and invest in the state, describing digital connectivity as an important foundation for economic growth, public service delivery and business development.

He said his administration had introduced data management guidelines and established institutional frameworks to support digital transformation and innovation.

The government also plans to strengthen information and communication technology infrastructure, expand digital skills training and encourage the development of technology businesses.

The practical impact of the zero-charge policy will depend on how it is implemented and whether telecommunications operators respond by extending coverage to underserved communities.

The broadband announcement coincided with the launch of the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026, which the governor said would provide a legal and policy framework for supporting entrepreneurs and technology-driven businesses.

According to Mohammed, the legislation is expected to create incentives, investment opportunities and institutional support for innovators seeking to develop businesses and solutions to local challenges.

He urged government agencies, educational institutions, technology companies, investors and development partners to work together to implement the law effectively.

The governor said entrepreneurship should be seen by young people as a viable career path, offering opportunities to build sustainable businesses and address problems in their communities.

The combination of broadband investment, startup support and technical training is intended to strengthen the state’s digital ecosystem, although the long-term results will depend on implementation, private-sector participation and access to finance.

The event also marked the graduation of more than 100 young people who completed approximately six months of cybersecurity training and obtained CompTIA Security+ certifications, according to the report.

Mohammed said the programme was designed to prepare participants for employment opportunities in the global digital economy.

He disclosed that the state government had partnered with cybersecurity organisation Protexxa to establish employment pathways for the graduates.

“Through this arrangement, the government has ensured that at least 80 per cent of these graduates will be carefully placed in employment,” he said.

The stated target would mean employment placement for at least four out of every five graduates covered by the arrangement.

The report did not specify a placement deadline or provide details on the employers and roles involved.

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

Babamaji described the training as a combination of practical learning, professional development and certification, adding that the initiative was intended to build the human capital required for a competitive digital economy.

Protexxa Country Coordinator Abi-Hafsat Abubakar encouraged the graduates to continue developing their skills and apply their knowledge in professional settings, noting that the technology sector requires continuous learning as tools and cyber threats evolve.

The state government’s announcements bring together three areas of its digital development strategy: broadband infrastructure, support for startups and workforce training.

Lower deployment costs could encourage network expansion, while stronger connectivity may help businesses reach customers, access online services and use digital tools.

Cybersecurity training and startup support could complement that infrastructure by developing local expertise and creating opportunities for technology-based employment.

However, the announcements do not by themselves establish how many new broadband connections will be created, how much private investment will follow or how many graduates will ultimately secure jobs.

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Bauchi’s progress will therefore depend on translating the policies and programmes into measurable improvements in connectivity, business activity and employment.