The Gombe State Executive Council has approved a ₦21.2 billion contract for the construction of the Northern Bypass Road in a move aimed at easing urban traffic congestion and spurring economic development across the state.
The approval was announced during a press briefing by the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Ethical Orientation, Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, following the 48th SEC meeting held at the Government House and presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Providing details, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, disclosed that Phase One of the bypass will span 8.5 kilometres, starting from Dukku Road near the grain silos, passing through the Agro-Livestock Development Zone, and ending at Kurba Road.
“The project is designed to improve road safety, decongest the state capital, and facilitate easier movement of goods and people, especially around key business and agro-industrial zones,” he said.
Engr. Kallamu also revealed that plans are underway for a Southern Bypass that will connect Liji to Kalshingi and link up with the Gombe–Yola Road, further enhancing internal connectivity.
“These strategic roads are vital to reducing travel time, curbing road accidents, and promoting economic integration within the state,” he added.
In a separate development, the Council approved the procurement of 10,000 metric tons (200,000 bags) of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser, valued at ₦8.8 billion, for the 2025 wet season farming campaign.
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Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Musa Malle, said the move signals the government’s strong commitment to food security and agricultural productivity.
“The early procurement of fertiliser this year is the highest the state has ever done, and it reflects the Governor’s proactive approach to ensuring timely access for farmers,” he said.
According to Dr. Malle, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is expected to flag off the fertiliser distribution and subsidised sales on June 26 to enable farmers prepare adequately for the season.
Meanwhile, the SEC also received an update on the ongoing revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres across the state’s 114 political wards.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, stated that 82 PHCs are currently undergoing upgrades worth over ₦3 billion. The scope of work includes expanding wards and labour rooms, installing solar power and motorised boreholes, and building perimeter fencing, gatehouses, and staff quarters.
“These interventions aim to ensure that every political ward in Gombe has at least two fully functional healthcare facilities to improve access to quality medical services,” he said.
The projects were said to be part of the Inuwa Yahaya administration’s broader strategy to boost infrastructure, strengthen agricultural resilience, and improve healthcare delivery across Gombe State.