The Yobe government has approved N73.3 billion for various projects and services in the state.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information, and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting in Damaturu on Thursday. He said N28.5 billion of that amount would be spent on procuring farm inputs under the Mega Agriculture Empowerment Programme.

Mr Bego noted that similar interventions were implemented in 2024 and 2025 to enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers across the state.

The commissioner said the council also ratified N4.94 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi Modern Motor Park and Grains Market, adding that N5.69 billion was approved for external facilities and augmentation of the perimeter fence at the Damaturu Modern Motor Park.

“Similarly, the council approved N3.95 billion for the construction of a shopping mall and mini market in Buni-Gari, Gujba Local Government Area. Other approvals include N652.63 million for the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Ltd., N1.18 billion for the construction of the headquarters of the Ministry of Housing, and N2.25 billion for the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

“The council also approved N616.61 million for the upgrading, remodelling, landscaping and installation of safety barriers at four major roundabouts in Damaturu metropolis, as well as N726.09 million for additional works at the ongoing Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall,” he said.

In the area of empowerment, Mr Bego said the council approved N460.83 million for the procurement of 1,780 bags of 50kg beans for distribution to female small-scale business owners.

“The beneficiaries will also receive cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen items already procured by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the council further approved N364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines for distribution to beneficiaries across the state.

On road infrastructure, he said the council ratified N23.97 billion for rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45km Kalallawa–Kaliyari Road and the construction of the seven-kilometre Damagum–Gubana Road.

Mr Bego said the council also approved a public-private partnership arrangement to convert the Yobe State Liaison Office in Kaduna into a modern hotel under a build-operate-and-transfer model.

“Under the arrangement, the property will revert to the Yobe State Government after 10 years, while the liaison office will remain within the facility and continue to be operated by the state government,” the commissioner said.

The governor commended SEC members for their commitment to service delivery and urged them to sustain their efforts to implement the administration’s socio-economic development agenda. 

According to Mr Buni, the approvals reflect his administration’s resolve to improve infrastructure, promote economic growth and enhance the welfare of the people.

(NAN)