The Gombe State Government has approved ₦1.149 billion for critical infrastructure projects, including solar street lighting and market upgrades, across three local government councils of the state.
The approval was granted during the 5th Joint Project Council (JPC) meeting of the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Speaking after the meeting, the agency’s Director-General, Dr. Mahmood Yusuf, outlined the projects, which align with the governor’s vision for infrastructure development.
The projects, as mentioned by him, are, installation of solar street lights along newly constructed roads in Kumo, Akko council, fencing and solar street lighting at the NALDA market in Kwadon, Yamaltu/Deba area, and the expansion of the grain market and construction of six public toilets in Billiri LGA.
Dr. Yusuf noted that the grains market project was initially approved in 2024, but an expansion request led to an increase in the contract value from ₦112 million to ₦159 million.
Chairman of Gombe Local Government and ALGON Chairman, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna, expressed concerns over rising theft in public buildings, including schools and cemeteries. He announced the deployment of GOSTEC security personnel and the expansion of Operation Hattara to cover all 11 LGAs to combat the issue.
In the education and healthcare sectors, the Chairperson of Shongom Local Government, Fatima Binta Bello, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening human resources. She stated that local governments would recruit teachers with National Certificate in Education (NCE) and collaborate with the state government to upgrade Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). Additionally, contract health workers under the expired GAVI programme would be absorbed into the system.
The Chairman of Kwami Local Government, Dr. Ahmad Wali Doho, announced measures to resolve recurring farmer-herder conflicts. He said grazing reserves and cattle routes would be resurveyed and remapped, warning that anyone encroaching on these areas would be required to vacate immediately.
The resolutions from the meeting, according to top government founctionariies who spoke with WorldClass247News, reflect the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, security enhancement, and improved public services across Gombe State.