NEDC Rolls Out Multi-Billion Naira Health, Education Projects in Gombe

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe 

Gombe State witnessed a major boost in social infrastructure on Saturday as the Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Uba Ahmadu Maigari, commissioned a series of multi-billion naira projects designed to strengthen healthcare delivery and advance educational development across the state.

In a related development, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya also commissioned the newly constructed office of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Gombe, a move considered further entrenching the Commission’s operational presence and development footprint in the state.

The Minister, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, led an inspection and commissioning tour that cut across Bogo in Akko Local Government Area, Gombe State University, the Central Medical Stores at Jekadafari in Gombe metropolis, and Mallam Sidi in Kwami Local Government Area.

The NEDC executed the projects as part of its intervention mandate in the Northeast.

Among the facilities commissioned was a fully equipped Primary Health Care Centre in Bogo; four modern lecture theatres at Gombe State University; upgraded facilities at Ahmadu Gombe Secondary School, Jekadafari; ten units of senior staff quarters at Government Science Secondary School; two blocks of cold storage facilities at the Gombe Central Medical Store; and the renovated Government Secondary School, Mallam Sidi.

The Mallam Sidi facility has recently been converted to a School of Agriculture under Gombe State University and is expected to operate in collaboration with the University of Michigan.

Speaking at the events, Hon. Maigari explained that the projects were delivered under the statutory mandate of the NEDC, which was established to close infrastructure gaps and fast-track development in the conflict-affected North-East region.

He stated that the interventions specifically focused on healthcare and education, describing them as the cornerstones of human capital development and sustainable economic growth.

According to him, the newly completed health facilities will expand access to quality medical services, reduce maternal and child mortality, and improve overall health outcomes for both rural and urban populations.

On the education front, the minister noted that the new and upgraded facilities would enhance teaching, learning and research, while also producing the skilled manpower required for national development.

He commended the Gombe State Government for its consistent commitment to improving citizens’ welfare and transforming key sectors of the state’s economy.

The minister further stressed that meaningful and sustainable development can only be achieved through strong collaboration between the federal government and the states, anchored on shared vision and effective coordination of resources.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Dr Jatau, commissioned the NEDC office in Gombe on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

He praised the Commission for the speedy and effective use of the land provided by the state government, describing the office as a strategic asset for regional development.

Dr Jatau assured that the people of Gombe State would protect the NEDC office as a critical institution domiciled in the state.

He directed the Ministry of Housing to provide the necessary support for the maintenance of the facility and to ensure adequate tree planting around the premises as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Deputy Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the NEDC, describing the Commission as a major intervention that is making visible impacts on infrastructure and socio-economic development in Gombe State and the wider North-East.

He assured that the state government would make judicious use of all NEDC projects, and he urged ministries, departments, and agencies to embrace a strong maintenance culture to guarantee their longevity.

Reaffirming the administration’s people-centred approach, Dr. Jatau said the Gombe State government would continue to align with federal government policies and programs aimed at improving living standards.

He also noted that the government remains open to constructive criticism, stressing that citizens’ feedback is vital to strengthening good governance and delivering democratic dividends.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NEDC Board, Major General Paul Tarfa (Rtd), said the Commission is operating strictly within its mandate.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of the projects inspected and called on benefiting communities and institutions to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, explained that the Commission was established to drive rehabilitation, reconstruction and sustainable development across the North-East.

He thanked the Gombe State Government for donating the land for the NEDC office and urged the state coordinator to ensure strict maintenance of the facility for durability and effective service delivery.

Alkali noted that the commissioned projects in the health and education sectors are part of the Commission’s broader strategy to rebuild social infrastructure, strengthen human capital development and improve the quality of life in the region.

He emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between the Commission and the state government to ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of projects.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the NEDC, describing the agency as a vital platform for restoring hope, rebuilding communities and promoting inclusive development across the North-East.