The Gombe State Executive Council has approved the sum of ₦21.2 billion for the construction of the long-awaited Northern Bypass Road, aimed at improving traffic flow, enhancing economic interconnectivity, and boosting regional development.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Ethical Orientation, Hon. Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, during a press briefing held after the 48th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Wednesday at the Government House, Gombe.
Providing technical details, the Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport, Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, said Phase One of the 8.5-kilometre bypass will run from Dukku Road near the grain silos, through the new Agro-Livestock Development Zone, and terminate at Kurba Road.
“The bypass will reduce traffic congestion, enhance access to business districts, and improve logistics to and from the Agro-Livestock Zone and other commercial centres,” Kallamu noted.
He also revealed plans for a complementary Southern Bypass, which will link Liji to Kalshingi and connect with the Gombe–Yola Road. According to him, the dual projects will significantly improve mobility, reduce road hazards, and stimulate economic growth across the state.
In a related development, the Council approved the procurement of 10,000 metric tons of fertiliser—equivalent to 200,000 bags of NPK 20:10:10—at a total cost of ₦8.8 billion for the 2025 wet season farming.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Musa Malle, said the move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
“This marks the largest fertiliser procurement in the state’s history and demonstrates the administration’s proactive approach to supporting farmers,” Dr. Malle stated.
He added that Governor Inuwa Yahaya is expected to flag off the fertiliser distribution and subsidised sales on June 26, 2025, to guarantee timely access ahead of the planting season.
On healthcare, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, disclosed that the Council received updates on the ongoing revitalisation of Primary Health Care centres across the 114 political wards of the state.
He said the project, which had already received over ₦3 billion in funding, targets 82 facilities in the first phase. Each ward is expected to eventually have two fully functional health centres equipped with expanded wards and labour rooms, solar power, water supply, perimeter fencing, and staff accommodation.
“These facilities are being upgraded to provide quality healthcare and reduce maternal and child mortality rates in rural areas,” Dr. Dahiru said.
The initiatives are part of the Yahaya-led administration’s broader strategy to enhance infrastructure, promote agricultural productivity, and deliver accessible healthcare to all residents of Gombe State.
