By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has paid N1.5billion naira to take full ownership of the long-abandoned Steyr Nigeria Limited, with the aim of reviving the industrial facility to boost the state’s economic development.
Just as Senator Bala Muhammad pledged to pay their outstanding salaries of N615 million of hundreds of suffering staff of the moribund Company as
Muhammad made the promise shortly after the Bank of Industry (BOI formally handed over the once thriving industry to the Bauchi State Government for management after revival.
The handing and taking over ceremony was held at the Executive Chambers of the Bauchi State Governor’s Office marked a turning point for a once-thriving manufacturing giant that had deteriorated into a haven for criminality and neglect.
Governor Bala disclosed that the state government had not only secured full ownership of the asset but also cleared all outstanding debts owed to the Bank of Industry (BOI).
Steyr was once a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial growth. Sadly, years of mismanagement turned it into a shadow of itself. Today, we’re taking it back to build something bigger and better for our people,” the Governor declared.
As part of the rehabilitation plan, Governor Bala announced that the state is in advanced talks with investors interested in establishing production lines for agricultural machinery, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, electric vehicles, and solar-powered tricycles at the facility.
To demonstrate transparency and prevent land speculation, the Governor ruled out any form of private encroachment, promising that the entire process will be guided by the public interest.
Governor Bala delegated Deputy Governor Auwal Muhammad Jatau to physically inspect the site and receive all legal documents of ownership on behalf of the state.
Chairman of the Reclamation Committee and Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Farouk Mustapha, commended the Governor's foresight and commitment to Bauchi’s economic revitalization.
This bold intervention by His Excellency has brought back hope. Full control of the facility has now been handed over to the state, and documentation is ongoing,” Mustapha confirmed The revival of Steyr Nigeria Ltd marks another major milestone in Governor Bala Muhammad’s drive to reposition Bauchi State as a hub for sustainable industrial growth and job creation
