The Gombe State Executive Council has approved the construction of over 74 kilometers of rural roads, alongside a series of capital-intensive projects worth billions of naira.
The contracts, as gathered by The Trumpet, are aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic development across the state.
The approvals were announced following the 46th State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the Government House, Gombe.
Addressing the press, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation, Hon. Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, revealed that the Council also ratified the handover of Kumo General Hospital to the Federal Government for its upgrade to a Federal Medical Centre.
Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engineer Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, disclosed that the rural roads totaling 74.69km will be executed in collaboration with the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in four LGAs.
These, account to him, include the Kembu–Kidda–Panda–Garin Alhaji Road (25km) in Akko, Kwanan Daniya–Daban Fulani–Bajoga Magaba Road (18km) in Funakaye, and Dukku–Zaune Road (31km) in Dukku. A counterpart fund of N3 billion was approved for the RAAMP projects.
Additionally, the Council approved N545 million for the augmentation of the Kumo–Luggerewo–Papa Road and N7.6 billion to complete the long-stalled Ture–Gelengu Road, citing inflation and exchange rate pressures.
In Balanga LGA, N2.4 billion was also said to have been approved for a 4.5km road connecting Talasse Road to Balanga Gari, expected to be completed in eight months.
On financial commitments, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, announced that N5.2 billion was approved as counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) 2024 and Q1 2025 projects. The Council also pledged to release remaining 2025 funds when due.
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The government, as made known by him, also provided $481,000 to support 969 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, in line with National Hajj Commission guidelines. NAHCON reimbursed the state with N769 million in naira for logistical support.
Further approvals, as reeled out by him, include N334 million for compensation under the BAP 4 road projects and dualization works from Police Headquarters Junction to FCT(T), and over N2.4 billion in compensation for communities affected by the World Bank-funded ACReSAL gully erosion project.
To cap the session, the Council, as stated by the commissioner, approved N5.5 billion for the completion of the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, set to become a major economic hub in the region. Nine companies have already set up or are establishing facilities at the park.
“To ensure Gombe’s position as an industrial hub, this funding will provide the critical infrastructure needed to launch full operations,” said Hon. Gambo Magaji.
In a move to secure sustainable water access, N2.1 billion was also said to have been approved for the continued operations and maintenance of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Project, in partnership with GCC Company.
