In recent times, Bukuru has witnessed massive urbanization growth with the influx of banks, hotels and recreation centers.

It is also home to one of the most successful industries in Nigeria like Grand cereals and oil mills limited, a subsidiary of United African Company (UAC).

A 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) Bauchi Light Railway, which was closed in 1957, was built in 1914 to carry tin from Bukuru to Zaria (120 miles [190 km] northwest) and connected a line to Lagos.

The present 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) railway branch linking Port Harcourt (370 miles [595 km] south-southwest) to the Jos and Bukuru mines was completed in 1927.

Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN) is a seminary located in Bukuru alongside the headquarters of Africa Christian Textbooks (ACTS).