Bauchi unveils new startup law, tech initiatives

The Bauchi State Government has launched the Bauchi State Innovation and Startup Law 2026 and graduated over 100 youths trained in cyber security under its Cybernation programme.

The programme, implemented in partnership with Protexxa, was designed to equip young people with internationally recognised cyber security skills and prepare them for employment opportunities in the global digital economy.

The state Governor, Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, disclosed this on Tuesday during the law’s launch and graduation ceremony in Bauchi.

Mohammed said his administration was committed to using technology to promote economic development, create jobs, strengthen public institutions and expand opportunities for young people.

He described digital transformation as central to modern governance and economic competitiveness, adding that his administration had taken deliberate steps to establish a foundation for digital innovation in the state.

The governor said, “Technology is no longer a peripheral aspect of development. It has become central to how government delivers services, how our businesses operate, how citizens access opportunities and how economies compete.

“Our passion for digital adoption has never been about political oratory or superficial trends. We believe that technology is the single most potent equaliser for human development, economic empowerment and good governance.”

He disclosed that the state government had approved a zero Right of Way charge for broadband deployment across Bauchi State to encourage telecommunications companies and internet service providers to expand their services to underserved communities.

“We are sending a clear message to telecommunications companies and internet service providers: come to Bauchi, serve our communities at zero cost and connect our people to the world,” he said.

Mohammed explained that the initiative was aimed at reducing barriers to internet access and ensuring that young people in rural communities had opportunities comparable to those available to their counterparts in urban centres.

The governor said the investment was intended to equip young people with skills that would enable them to compete for opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

He said the partnership with Protexxa had secured a commitment to place at least 80 per cent of the graduates in employment.

“The government has ensured that at least 80 per cent of these graduates will be carefully placed in employment. Your skills are in high demand, and we have already built a bridge to connect you directly to global opportunities,” he said.

The governor added that the Cybernation programme and the newly launched startup law were complementary initiatives designed to develop digital skills while creating an enabling environment for technology-driven businesses.

He said the law would provide a framework for supporting startups through incentives, investment opportunities and institutional backing, thereby encouraging young entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.

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“By officially launching this act, we are taking a further step towards establishing a policy and legal environment that supports technology-driven enterprises, encourages innovation and enables entrepreneurs to develop solutions to real problems,” Mohammed said.

He urged ministries, departments and agencies, the State House of Assembly, technology firms, investors and other stakeholders to work together to ensure effective implementation of the law.

The governor also charged the graduates to uphold professional ethics, pursue continuous learning and apply their skills responsibly, particularly in protecting digital infrastructure and sensitive information.

He noted that cyber security had become increasingly important as government institutions, banks, hospitals, telecommunications companies and other businesses relied on digital systems to deliver services.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, congratulated the graduates, describing their achievement as a defining moment that could open doors to opportunities in cyber security, technical support and related fields.

He urged them to pursue continuous learning, gain practical experience and obtain professional certifications to improve their prospects in employment, consultancy and entrepreneurship.

Suleiman said the graduates could contribute to protecting public and private institutions, promoting safer digital practices and strengthening public confidence in online services.

He also encouraged them to support local businesses and educate communities about online fraud and other cyber threats.

The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to working with the executive arm of government to enact laws that would promote the welfare of residents.

He disclosed that the House had passed the bill providing for the establishment, development and regulation of an ecosystem for technology-enabled startups and an innovation-based economy, including the establishment of the Bauchi State Startup Fund.

In her remarks, the Country Representative of Protexxa, Abi Hafsat, congratulated the graduates and commended the state government for investing in the development of young people’s digital skills.

She said the programme demonstrated the potential of strategic partnerships between government and the private sector in preparing young people for emerging opportunities in the technology industry.

Hafsat added that Protexxa had fulfilled its commitment to producing a new generation of cyber security professionals through the initiative.