BACCIMA raises alarm over collapse of infrastructure in North
The Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has raised alarm that Northern Nigeria is in a distress situation threatening collapse of critical infrastructure. BACCIMA President, Hon Aminu Mohammed Dammaliki, who disclosed this during a press conference on Wednesday in Bauchi, stated that the region is currently struggling with unreliable electricity, deteriorating roads, […]
The Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has raised alarm that Northern Nigeria is in a distress situation threatening collapse of critical infrastructure.
BACCIMA President, Hon Aminu Mohammed Dammaliki, who disclosed this during a press conference on Wednesday in Bauchi, stated that the region is currently struggling with unreliable electricity, deteriorating roads, insecurity and generation of youth who lack jobs and hope for the future.
According to him, “This situation reflects a deep sense of marginalisation and systematic neglect that many Northern Nigerians are feeling. But today, we say: enough is enough. We are not here to cry. We are here to lead. To propose solutions. To demand equity. And to take responsibility for shaping our own future.”
Danmaliki explained that the survival of the North is not just a regional issue, it is a national imperative, adding, “We are not here to beg; we are here to build. But we need support, inclusion and partnership.”
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The Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising investors, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering regional cooperation to secure the North’s economic future, the cooperation of governors, national and states legislatures, traditional rulers, business community, academicians and all stakeholders are hereby requested to join hand in championing these new agenda.
Danmaliki said, “We must again raise the issue of the oil discovery in the North, particularly in Kolmani and other basins. The discovery commissioned under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in Bauchi, brought hope for energy and economic transformation. Yet, to our dismay, the current administration has not made any visible effort to commence the lifting of the discovered oil in Bauchi and its environs. Why is the oil in the North being ignored? We demand full accountability and immediate steps.”
The chamber also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure an equitable expansion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure including refueling stations, conversion centers, training hubs, and support services across Northern Nigeria to ensure national inclusivity, energy transition fairness and economic development.
Danmaliki explained that CNG is part of Nigeria’s broader energy transition plan, aimed at reducing dependency on petrol and diesel by promoting cleaner, more affordable fuels.
“This laudable programme is only concentrated in Southern Nigeria. The North stands to lose out in several ways,” he said.
Danmaliki noted that the North has significant potential in transport (especially haulage), agriculture needing cold-chain logistics, and youth employment.
He said, “CNG could support all of these, but not without its infrastructure. Bottom line: Yes, the North is missing out, economically, socially, and strategically if the CNG initiative is not established in the region.
“It’s essential for stakeholders in the North chambers of commerce, state governments, transport unions to push for inclusion and possibly even propose public-private partnerships to build local capacity around CNG.”