By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
Several projects running into billions of Naira has been approved by the Gombe State Government during its 46th State Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Briefing Journalists shortly after the meeting on Wednesday, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation, Hon. Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, said the projects are targeted at accelerating human and capital development in the State.
Giving sectoral details of the projects, the State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, disclosed that over 74 kilometers of rural roads, alongside several capital projects and compensation packages were approved by council.
He explained that the rural roads approved were going to be executed in collaboration with the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), across four Local Government Areas.
Kallamu listed the approved roads to include: Kembu–Kidda–Panda–Garin Alhaji Road (25km) in Akko LGA, Kwanan Daniya–Daban Fulani–Bajoga Magaba Road (18km) in Funakaye LGA, Dukku–Zaune Road (31km) in Dukku LGA.
According to him, “The counterpart funding approved for these projects and others previously executed under RAAMP amounts to N3 billion.”
The Council also approved N545 million as augmentation for the Kumo–Luggerewo–Papa Road and Kallamu explained that it is to ensure its timely completion. A one-month deadline to finalize the work was given to the contractor.
For the long-delayed Ture–Gelengu Road, originally awarded by a previous administration, the Council approved an augmentation of N7.6 billion, reflecting the rising cost of materials due to inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.
In Balanga LGA, the council approved N2.4 billion for the construction of a 4.5 km road linking Talasse Road to Balanga Gari, with a completion timeline of eight months.
Giving details on the approvals in his sector, the State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, announced several strategic funding approvals, including support for the 2025 Hajj operations.
He said, “In line with the National Hajj Commission’s requirements and to ease financial transactions for our pilgrims, the state government provided $481,000, representing $500 per pilgrim for 969 intending pilgrims. We received reimbursement of N769 million from NAHCON in naira to facilitate this”.
Additionally, the Council ratified the release of N334 million in compensation for properties affected by road projects under the BAP 4 initiative and the dualization of the road from Police Headquarters Junction to FCE (T) Gombe.
The Executive Council also approved N5.2 billion as counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) projects for 2024 and Q1 2025. Approval was also granted for the release of the remaining 2025 counterpart funds when due.
Other approvals were the compensation for communities affected by the multi-billion naira gully erosion control project to be executed under the World Bank-funded ACReSAL Project. The affected corridor runs from Abdullahi Ganduje Road to Government Girls Science Secondary School, Doma, covering approximately 30 kilometers.
The Council also approved N5.5 billion for the completion of the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, a flagship economic project initiated four years ago. The fund will be used to provide critical infrastructure and facilities needed for the park to commence full operations.
“So far, more than nine companies have either completed or are setting up their facilities at the park. Once completed, it will position Gombe State as a major industrial hub, attract investments, and create wealth and jobs for our people,” Gambo Magaji said.
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