The Gombe State Executive Council on Friday approved a series of critical infrastructure, water, power and security projects, including N56 billion for the development of an Agro-Livestock Processing Zone.
The approvals were granted at the council’s 52nd meeting presided over by Gov. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, Gombe.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, said the council considered and approved several memos presented by ministries and agencies aimed at accelerating development and improving service delivery across the state.
On water supply, the Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mr Mohammed Saidu Fawu, said the council approved the rehabilitation, upgrade and reconstruction of the Malam Inna water supply schemes and associated works in Gombe.
Fawu said the project would also extend supply to the livestock development zone and surrounding communities.
He said the contract was awarded to Jidadu Ventures Ltd at the cost of N24.27 billion with a completion period of 18 months.
According to him, the council also approved N7.07 billion for the upgrade of equipment and provision of dedicated power lines at the Dadin Kowa and Tabra booster stations. The contract was awarded to Ceylon Construction Services Ltd with an 18-month completion timeline.
Similarly, N23.33 billion was approved for the construction of solar power plants at the Dadin Kowa Water Treatment Plant and Tabra Booster Station. The project was awarded to Off-Grid Electric Ltd.
Fawu said the interventions were designed to address energy challenges affecting water supply across communities in the state, noting that government was targeting a permanent solution to the lingering water crisis.
On security, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Muhammad Gambo Magaji, said the council approved the commencement of a N1 billion monthly contribution by Gombe State to the Regional Security Trust Fund of the Northern States Governors’ Forum.
He added that N500 million was also approved as the state’s contribution toward the construction of the forum’s permanent secretariat, in line with an agreement by northern states to contribute N500 million each.
In the area of road infrastructure, the council approved N18.5 billion for the construction of the 19.9km Mararraban Kwaji–Jagali–Jarawa–Maikaho–Tsando–Dandela to Dasa road, including 1.5km of storm water drainage in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area. The project is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Speaking on urban planning, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said the council approved a contract for comprehensive road and street naming, installation of signages and house numbering within Gombe metropolis.
Njodi said the project, valued at N5 billion, is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr Barnabas Malle, said the council approved N56 billion for the construction and development of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone.
Malle said the project would cover construction of key facilities and perimeter fencing of the entire site.
According to him, the zone will host an ultramodern abattoir, an international livestock market, an international grains and feed market, an inland dry port and a tannery and leather processing factory, among other facilities aimed at boosting agro-industrialisation in the state.
He said the initiative was expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and strengthen the state’s agricultural value chain.
