Gombe Greenlights Over ₦26 Billion in Infrastructure Push, Approves 74km Rural Roads, Key Capital Projects
The Gombe State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved a wide range of development initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure and accelerating economic growth across the state.
This includes the construction of over 74 kilometres of rural roads, compensation for affected communities, and funding for strategic capital projects.
Announcing the outcomes of the 46th State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Gombe, Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Ethical Orientation, Hon. Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, said the approvals reflect the state government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens through targeted investments and strategic partnerships.
One of the key decisions was the formal handover of the Kumo General Hospital to the Federal Government for its upgrade into a Federal Medical Centre, a move that is expected to improve healthcare delivery for residents of the region.
Giving more insight into the infrastructure approvals, Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu explained that the 74.69 kilometres of rural roads will be developed in partnership with the World Bank through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
The roads span four local government areas and are expected to open up remote communities, ease transport challenges, and support agricultural marketing.
He noted that the state government has approved ₦3 billion in counterpart funding for these new roads and other previously executed RAAMP projects.
In another development, the Council approved ₦545 million as additional funding to complete the Kumo–Luggerewo–Papa Road, setting a one-month deadline for the contractor to finish the project.
“For the long-delayed Ture–Gelengu Road, which was initially awarded by a past administration, the state approved a revised funding of ₦7.6 billion to reflect the current cost of materials and exchange rate pressures.
“In the Balanga Local Government Area, the state government approved ₦2.4 billion for the construction of a 4.5-kilometre road connecting Talasse Road to Balanga Gari, with an eight-month completion target.
On the financial front, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Muhammad Gambo Magaji, announced that the Council approved $481,000 to support 969 intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise, at a rate of $500 per pilgrim.
He added that the state had received ₦769 million in naira reimbursement from the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to facilitate smooth financial transactions for the pilgrims.
he said that the Council endorsed the release of ₦334 million as compensation for residents affected by road projects under the BAP 4 initiative and the dualisation of the road from the Police Headquarters Junction toT (T).
In the education sector, the Council approved ₦5.2 billion as counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) projects for 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, with a pledge to release the remaining 2025 funds when due.
A major highlight of the meeting was the decision to provide compensation to communities affected by the upcoming gully erosion control project funded by the World Bank through the ACReSAL initiative.
The project will cover a stretch of about 30 kilometres, running from Abdullahi Ganduje Road to the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Doma.
To advance Gombe’s industrial growth, the Council approved ₦5.5 billion to complete the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.
“The funds will be used to provide essential infrastructure that will enable full operations of the park. So far, more than nine companies have either established or are in the process of setting up operations at the park.
Hon. Magaji emphasised that the project will attract investments, generate employment, and transform Gombe into a major economic hub.
In its bid to sustain access to safe drinking water, the government also approved ₦2.1 billion for the annual operations and maintenance of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Project, which has been managed by GCC Company since 2007.
