Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has raised concerns over unemployment, poverty, and inadequate healthcare access in Bauchi State.
Tuggar made this known in Bauchi on Saturday while announcing his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, describing the state as being at a critical point.
“Our state stands at the crossroads. We’re rich in history, culture, and human potential, yet many of our people continue to face poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and limited access to quality education and healthcare.
“This must change, and it will change. I am stepping forward, not for power but for service, not for privilege but for progress.
“Past leaders in the state have done their part, and we thank them for that,” he said.
He added that he aims to build on the achievements of previous administrations while addressing past shortcomings.
“I am coming forward to build on the good legacies of previous leaders and correct mistakes of the past where they occurred,” he said.
Tuggar assured residents of plans to improve livelihoods through economic reforms, particularly by boosting agriculture to increase household income and purchasing power.
“This we will achieve by investing the money of the state in the areas of economic advantage, namely farming during the rainy season, as well as during the dry season, raising animals at home by women, youths, and others, and improving transhumance through making the forest reserves and transhumance corridors modernised and improved.
“And we are not just doing this at the top of our heads; we have a blueprint for implementing this because agriculture is very important. We have something similar for solid minerals, so we have come very much prepared,” Tuggar declared.
He said key priorities of his administration would include prompt payment of salaries, revitalisation of local markets, support for farmers, and development of agro-processing industries to create jobs.
“Our core message here is that we will move from subsistence to prosperity, making agriculture a business, not just survival,” he added.
On security, Tuggar noted that although Bauchi is relatively safer than some neighbouring states, insecurity remains a concern.
“We will use community policing and dialogue, and, importantly, our traditional institutions. We will strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local communities,” he said.
Tuggar, who was appointed minister in August 2023, resigned on March 30, 2026, to pursue his governorship ambition. He previously served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing the Gamawa constituency.