Bauchi State Government has commenced a comprehensive review of its Tourism Policy, a strategic move coming ahead of the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with tourism investors attracted during the Bauchi Economic Summit.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Alhaji Abdul Hassan, disclosed this while speaking with journalists from the Tourism Network in his office in Bauchi. He said the policy overhaul is already underway, with broad consultations ongoing across the sector.
“We have kick-started wide consultations with tourism experts and stakeholders within and outside Bauchi State,” Hassan said.
According to him, the consultation process cuts across registered hoteliers, tour operators, travel agencies, tourism experts, journalists, relevant institutions, as well as security and religious bodies.
“Among them are registered hoteliers, tour operators, travel agencies, tourism eggheads, tourism journalists, institutions with related interests in tourism, including security and religious bodies,” he added.
Hassan explained that the new policy is being designed to balance the interests of the state and investors, ensuring long-term sustainability and mutual benefits.
“The new envisaged policy is aimed to accommodate the interests of the state and investors in such a way that there will be harmonious mutual benefits,” he said.
He further noted that the policy would align with international best practices and remain relevant over time.
“The policy, as we have envisioned, will stand the test of time and be in full compliance with international standards,” the commissioner stated.
Offering insights into what the new tourism framework would deliver, Hassan assured that visitors, investors and the state would all be adequately catered for.
“The interests of our visitors, investors and the state will be adequately taken care of. This will allow for continuous attraction of tourists as near-perfect services are upgraded, personal relationships are strengthened, and high-quality functional facilities are put in place,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing improvements across key tourist destinations, Hassan revealed that Yankari Game Reserve now enjoys round-the-clock power supply from its solar farm, alongside steady water supply and improved security.
“Power supply from the Yankari Game Reserve solar farm is on a 24-hour basis. Good, clean water is not an issue, security is good, game-viewing trucks are available, and staff at various destinations are well motivated,” he said.»
He also described the Wikki Warm Spring as a prime attraction, noting that accommodation facilities have been upgraded to international standards.
“The Wikki Warm Spring remains a beautiful bride. Our accommodation facilities have been updated to international level,” Hassan said.
At Sumu Park, the commissioner disclosed that infrastructure development is progressing steadily.
“At Sumu Park, the 13.5-kilometre entry road may be ready before the rains come, while catering and other recreational facilities are being prepared,” he added.
Hassan stressed that tourism’s wide-reaching nature makes it necessary to involve multiple stakeholders, especially given Bauchi State’s growing appeal as an industrial and investment hub for African, Asian, European and American business communities.
“This is why an all-embracing tourism policy has indeed become imperative,” he stated.
