THE Gombe State Executive Council (SEC), chaired by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has on Friday, approved a number of critical projects aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, enhancing security and improving service delivery across the state.
The approvals were announced during a press briefing coordinated by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, shortly after the Council’s 52nd meeting.
He disclosed that the council had approved memos presented by ministries and agencies for infrastructure projects, water supply, energy and security enhancement.
Speaking on memos related to his ministry, the Commissioner for Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, disclosed that approval has been granted for the rehabilitation, upgrade and reconstruction of the Malam Inna water supply schemes and associated works in Gombe with supply to be extended to the livestock development zone and surrounding communities.
The contract was awarded to Jidadu Ventures Limited at the sum of N24,269,032,608 with a completion period of 18 months.
Similarly, council also approved N7,070,941,493 for the upgrade of equipment, provision of dedicated power line at both Dadin Kowa and Tabra booster stations to be executed by Ceylon Construction Services Limited with 18 months; while N23,331,309,907 was awarded to Off-grid Electric Ltd for the construction of solar power plants at Dadin Kowa water treatment plant and Tabra booster station.
The Commissioner stressed that these projects when completed, would solve the energy challenges associated to the supply of water to the communities across Gombe.
On security enhancement, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, disclosed that council has given approval for the commencement of payment of 1 billion Naira monthly contribution by each state to the Regional Security Trust Fund of the Northern States Governors’ Forum aimed at improving security across the region.
The Commissioner further disclosed that 500 million Naira has also been approved by the council as Gombe state contribution based on the agreement reached by Northern states to contribute 500m each for the construction of the forum’s permanent secretariat building.
In another development, the council has approved the sum of 18.5 billion Naira for the construction of 19.9 km Mararraban Kwaji-Jagali-Jarawa-Maikaho-Tsando-Dandela to Dasa with 1.5 km storm water drain in Yamaltu/Deba local government to be executed within 12 months.
Shedding light on the approval relating to urban planning and development, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, explained that the State Executive Council has approved a contract for comprehensive road and street naming, installation of signages, and house numbering within the state capital.
Professor Njodi disclosed that the project is expected to be completed before the end of 2026 at a total cost of 5 billion Naira.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, stated that approval was given for the construction and development of the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone.
He explained that the contract was awarded at the sum of 56 billion Naira and will cover the construction of key facilities and perimeter fencing of the entire 184-hectare site.
According to the Commissioner, the zone will host an ultramodern abattoir, a state-of-the-art international livestock market, an international grains and feed market, an inland dry port and a tannery/leather processing factory, among other strategic facilities.