Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Tuesday, chaired the 6th meeting of the Gombe State Joint Development Project Council, where several transformative projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and promoting good governance across local communities were approved.
Speaking after the meeting, which took place at the Government House, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdulkadir Waziri, alongside the Director-General of the Joint Project Development Agency, Mahmood Yusuf, revealed details of the council’s resolutions.
Top among the approvals was the installation of solar-powered streetlights along newly constructed roads in Tumfure, Akko Local Government Area, at ₦1.1 billion, as well as similar installations in several communities in Nafada Local Government Area, including Birin Fulani, Birin Bolawa, Barwo Winde, Barwo Nasarawo, Jigawan Nafada, and Gudukku at a contract sum of ₦681 million.
Another major highlight was the upgrade of the Kantoma Market in Billiri Local Government to a storey-building structure.
Initially awarded at ₦420 million, the project was revised after a formal request by the Billiri Local Government Area chairperson for an enhanced design that would boost local trade and revenue generation.
The council approved an additional ₦213 million to support the upgrade.
In Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, the council also approved ₦19 million for additional works at the newly established NALDA Market in Kwadon.
These include an upgrade of the market’s water scheme, installation of a perimeter fence around the water tank’s control area, and the construction of four water fetching points to improve accessibility.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kwami Local Government, Assoc. Prof. Ahmed Doho, who also heads the sub-committee on staff verification, provided updates on the ongoing screening exercise of local government workers, specifically within the Local Education Authority (LEA).
According to him, the exercise conducted between June 12 and July 3, 2025, uncovered massive payroll irregularities.
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He revealed that 686 individuals, who failed to present themselves for verification, were still on the payroll, drawing a total of ₦31 million in salaries.
The report also found that 265 deceased or retired workers were still receiving pay as of April 2025, accounting for another ₦36 million in losses.
Additionally, 258 staff members on secondment to other government agencies were found to be drawing double salaries, costing the state ₦67 million.
Doho clarified that the exercise is not intended to target anyone unfairly, but to restore financial discipline, eliminate leakages, and pave the way for fresh recruitment into essential sectors within the local government system.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, development, and service delivery, stating that every decision taken by the council reflects the broader goal of improving the lives of Gombe State residents.
