In a major reform of the traditional institution, the Bauchi State Government has approved the integration of emirs, district heads, and village heads into the state payroll system, with a salary increase exceeding 300 per cent.

The decision was taken at Monday’s State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House, Bauchi.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Chief Economic Adviser, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Ningi, said the policy would provide a sustainable and regulated remuneration system for traditional rulers across the state.

He said traditional institutions had previously operated without a standard salary structure, relying mostly on honoraria from local governments.

According to Ningi, the new arrangement formally places traditional institutions under the state civil service framework.

“This government has put them in a structure where everything, from the hamlet up to the emirate, is taken care of by the state government,” he said.

He noted that the government had directed the comprehensive enumeration of all traditional institutions in the state to ensure proper administration.

Ningi further disclosed that the administration had already supported many traditional rulers with official vehicles and housing as part of ongoing reforms.

He explained that the new salary structure recognises different categories of traditional rulers, including first-class, second-class, and third-class emirs, as well as district heads.

Although specific salary figures were not announced, he stressed that the increase was significantly above 300 per cent compared with previous earnings.

The adviser linked the reform to the government’s policy of creating new emirates and districts to improve governance and strengthen traditional institutions.

He said the administration’s objective was to enhance grassroots administration, cover previously ungoverned areas, and preserve the state’s traditional heritage.