The Bauchi State Government has distributed 186 vehicles to newly created emirates, chiefdoms and district heads as part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and deepen grassroots governance.
Governor Bala Mohammed presided over the distribution ceremony on Monday, describing the gesture as more than a routine exercise but a strategic step to enhance leadership at the community level.
“The traditional rulers remain the custodians of our values, the link between government and the grassroots, and the voices of the people. Their presence inspires order, while their wisdom sustains peace,” Mohammed said.
He explained that the vehicles distributed included 14 GMC vehicles, 14 Toyota Hilux trucks, 14 buses and 144 Toyota Camry cars allocated to district heads, noting that the vehicles were practical tools intended to improve mobility and service delivery.
“These vehicles are essential instruments to enable our traditional rulers to effectively engage their communities, mediate disputes, monitor development and collaborate with security agencies,” he added.
The governor also announced that construction of new palaces for the newly established emirates and chiefdoms had commenced, with a commitment to complete the projects before the end of his tenure.
Mohammed further disclosed that the government was reviewing the remuneration and welfare packages of traditional rulers, noting that existing provisions no longer reflected the scope of their responsibilities.
On finances, he said the government had ensured implementation of statutory allocations of between four and six per cent from local governments to emirates, while warning that the funds must be managed with accountability.
“These resources are public funds entrusted to the institutions, not for personal use. Financial autonomy must go hand-in-hand with accountability,” he said.
The governor urged traditional rulers to remain within their domains to provide effective leadership and cautioned them against engaging in partisan politics.
In October 2025, Mohammed signed a bill creating 13 new emirates, one chiefdom and hundreds of district head positions across the state, a move aimed at bringing governance closer to the people and strengthening community-level administration.
Speaking at the event, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, said the initiative reflected the state’s commitment to inclusive grassroots governance, noting that the Assembly had passed the enabling legislation for the new structures.
Also speaking, the Emir of Bauchi and Chairman of the State Council of Emirs welcomed the development, describing it as a milestone for traditional institutions and urging newly appointed emirs and district heads to uphold the values of the institution while promoting peace and development.
