Bauchi govt to revive state-owned newspapers after 20-years hiatus

The Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with key shareholders, has announced plans to revive the Bauchi Publishing and Printing Company Limited—publishers of The Trumpeter and Kakaki newspapers—after two decades of inactivity.

This development was revealed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Shehu Usman Shehu, who also chairs the company’s Board of Directors. He made the announcement during the company’s 5th Annual General Meeting held at its Bauchi headquarters.

To facilitate the revival, the board has proposed raising the company’s share capital from N30 million to N250 million. This increase will support the overhaul of outdated equipment and provide working capital for renewed operations.

Shehu also disclosed that negotiations are underway for a N1 billion loan at a 9% interest rate to acquire modern digital printing machines. These upgrades are expected to enable high-quality print services that could attract top-tier clients from across the country.

As part of the revival strategy, the company aims to retain former staff while also hiring new personnel to boost efficiency and productivity.

He confirmed that The Trumpeter, Kakaki, and other publications are expected to resume by the end of the year, including the launch of an online platform to meet the demands of today’s digital audience.

“The company remains viable with strong potential to generate significant revenue for its shareholders,” Shehu said, attributing its long dormancy to political instability and lack of sustained governmental support.

Recognizing that newspaper publishing serves a crucial public role, the board emphasized the need for a state-owned outlet to bridge the communication gap between government and citizens.

“There is a critical need to inform and engage the people of Bauchi, and a government-backed newspaper is an ideal platform for that purpose,” he noted.

Shehu added that The Trumpeter will function as a voice for the people of Bauchi State—highlighting their achievements, challenges, and perspectives to both national and international audiences.

To support the initiative, the board has appealed to the state government to mandate all ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and local councils to publish quarterly two-page reports in the newspapers at subsidized rates.

The board also encouraged MDAs to subscribe to at least 15 copies of both publications each week and to utilize the company’s commercial printing services.

According to Shehu, this arrangement will strengthen public awareness and understanding of government policies and programmes through a reliable and consistent media outlet.

Meanwhile, due to the prolonged shutdown, four major shareholders—Gombe State Government, Fama Development Enterprises Nigeria Ltd, Satellite Engineering Services Nigeria Ltd, and Alauwara Nigeria Ltd—have exited the company, selling shares worth N10 million.

Current shareholders now include prominent individuals such as Alh. Yerima Giade, Alh. Barau Ningi, Alh. Ibrahim Marafa, Alh. Hammadu Abubakar, Mal. Sama’ila Diga, Mal. Sadik Awak, and Alh. Babayo Dambam, among others. Institutional stakeholders include Media Need (Nig) Ltd, the Bauchi State Government, and all 15 local government areas in the state.