BAUCHI STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
Pearl of Tourism
Overall pSPI Rank
12th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Excellent 3-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Land of Tourism and Unity
Bauchi State, known as the Pearl of Tourism, is home to approximately 8 million people the state has a landmass of 45,893 sq km with 20 LGAs featuring a rich diversity of ethnic groups, including the Hausa-Fulani, Kanuri, Karai-Karai, Butawa, Warji, Gerawa, Tangale, Sayawa, and Jarawa. These communities contribute to the state’s vibrant culture, reflected in traditions, celebrations, and inter-ethnic interactions, particularly in marriage, commerce, and shared festivities.
Islam is the predominant religion, with a smaller population of Christians and traditional worshippers. Religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence are key aspects of Bauchi’s cultural landscape. The state’s traditions thrive through festivals such as the Durbar Festival, featuring horsemanship displays and traditional ceremonies.Â
Politics
The Swing State that Never Settles
Bauchi’s politics is a constant tug-of-war between PDP and APC, with the state shifting between both parties every election cycle. In 2019, PDP’s Bala Mohammed reclaimed power from the APC, only to face a brutal re-election battle in 2023, which he narrowly survived.
The state is ethnically and politically diverse, with key power blocs in Bauchi, Katagum, and Misau often dictating election outcomes. This diversity means that no single party enjoys absolute dominance, making every election a fierce contest determined by grassroots mobilisation.
Bauchi’s future remains uncertain, as its electorate is known for voting out underperforming leaders without hesitation. If PDP hopes to hold on to power, it must deliver real change or face another political reset in 2027
Economy – Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism as Pillars of Growth
Bauchi State’s economy is largely agrarian, with extensive farmlands and rivers like Gongola and Jama’are supporting crop cultivation and livestock farming. The presence of irrigation dams such as Gubi and Tilden Fulani enhances agricultural productivity.
The state’s mineral wealth includes gold, columbite, gypsum, coal, and iron ore. However, these resources remain underexploited, representing a major opportunity for economic diversification.
Tourism is another economic driver, with Yankari National Park and Wikki Warm Springs attracting visitors and creating employment opportunities. The recent discovery of oil in the region further signals potential economic growth.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦2,864 |  26th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦535,486 | 29th |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦10.4 billion | 8th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦1.7 billion | 36th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 10% | 31th |
What this means:
Bauchi ranks in the mid-tier of internal revenue generation (IGR), there is significant room for industrial expansion, improved taxation strategies, and enhanced resource utilisation.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Agricultural & Natural Resources: Strong agricultural sector and untapped mineral wealth.
Tourism Hub: Yankari National Park remains a key asset for economic growth.
Ease of Doing Business: Ranked 6th in the nation, signaling a business-friendly environment.
Weaknesses
Debt Management: Ranked 36th in debt-to-revenue ratio, indicating fiscal strain.
Limited Capital Expenditure: Ranked 30th, highlighting the need for improved public investments.
Internet Penetration: Ranked 30th, limiting digital economic opportunities.
Citizen Satisfaction – The Public Verdict
Despite its economic potential, Bauchi’s public service delivery faces significant challenges:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 9th | 47% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 7th | 34% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 5th | 58% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 23rd | 27% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 22nd | 44% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 10th | 34% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 14th | 28% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 13th | 17% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 17th | 35% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 26th | 15% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 11th | 44% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 7th | 40% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 14th | 41% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 9th | 47% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 22nd | 24% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 8th | 36% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
Kano State
Economic hub with business opportunities
Kaduna State
Industrial growth and infrastructure
FCT Abuja
Governance, stability, and employment
Gombe State
Proximity and economic ties
Bauchi State
Preference for home state
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Bauchi State
Economic stagnation, governance issues
Kano State
Overpopulation and political uncertainty
Gombe State
Limited economic opportunities
FCT Abuja
High cost of living
Plateau State
Rising religious and ethnic tension
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Though awareness of leadership is relatively high, participation remains low in Bauchi’s LGAs
do not know their LGA chairman
unaware of projects at the LGA level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
While these numbers are higher than in some states, there is room for improvement in civic engagement and governance transparency.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Bauchi (35%), Katagum (15%), Dass (10%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
291 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Improve Road Infrastructure: Citizens across LGAs highlighted the need for better roads to connect rural communities with urban centres. Improved road networks are seen as vital for easier access to markets, schools, and health facilities.
- Invest in Healthcare Services: Respondents emphasised the poor condition of hospitals and health centres, calling for increased government funding, recruitment of qualified medical personnel, and provision of essential drugs and equipment, especially in underserved areas.
- Boost Employment Opportunities for Youth: Citizens called for targeted vocational training, entrepreneurship support programmes, and access to finance to help young people build sustainable livelihoods.
- Expand Access to Clean and Safe Water: Residents urged the state government to invest in boreholes, water treatment systems, and distribution infrastructure to ensure reliable access to portable water.
- Enhance Public Services and Safety: There were repeated calls to strengthen basic public services, including education, security, and waste management.Â
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Bauchi
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Bauchi urgently needs to:
- Strengthen Revenue Generation Capacity: Bauchi State should prioritise reforms in its taxation system to improve efficiency, widen the tax base, and reduce dependence on federal allocations. Harnessing natural resource endowments can also boost internally generated revenue.
- Improve Fiscal Management and Capital Spending: To enhance service delivery and infrastructure development, the state must curtail debt accumulation and ensure that more funds are allocated to productive capital expenditures over recurrent costs.
- Promote Tourism and Industrial Development: With rich cultural and ecological attractions, Bauchi can tap into tourism for economic diversification. Concurrently, policies to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and industrial growth will stimulate local economies and employment.
- Expand Digital Infrastructure and Access: Investing in broadband and digital infrastructure is essential to improve internet penetration across urban and rural areas, enabling broader participation in the digital economy and unlocking new opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs.
- Enhance Governance Transparency and Accountability: Citizens demand more openness in how public funds are managed. Strengthening mechanisms for budget transparency, project tracking, and citizen feedback will build trust and drive performance.
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Bauchi State 2025
stands at a critical juncture. By addressing its economic challenges, optimising governance, and enhancing public services, Bauchi can cement its reputation as a leading state in Nigeria’s economic and cultural landscape.