The Yobe State Government has approved a total of N73.3 billion for the execution of various projects and services across the state.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Damaturu.
He explained that N28.5 billion from the approved funds would be allocated for the procurement of farm inputs under the Mega Agriculture Empowerment Programme.
Mr Bego said similar initiatives were carried out in 2024 and 2025 as part of efforts to boost agricultural production and provide support to farmers across the state.
He further revealed that the council approved N4.94 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi Modern Motor Park and Grains Market, while N5.69 billion was sanctioned for external facilities and the extension 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.
On empowerment initiatives, the commissioner stated that the council approved N460.83 million for the purchase of 1,780 bags of 50kg beans to be distributed to female small-scale business operators in the state.
“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.
Mr Bego added that another N364.48 million was approved for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines, which would be distributed to beneficiaries across Yobe State.
Speaking on road development, he said the council ratified N23.97 billion for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45-kilometre Kalallawa–Kaliyari Road, as well as the construction of the seven-kilometre Damagum–Gubana Road.
The commissioner also announced that the council approved a public-private partnership arrangement to transform the Yobe State Liaison Office in Kaduna into a modern hotel through 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 praised members of the State Executive Council for their dedication to service delivery and encouraged them to maintain their commitment towards achieving the administration’s socio-economic development objectives.
According to Mr Buni, the approvals demonstrate his administration’s determination to strengthen infrastructure, stimulate economic growth and improve the living conditions of residents across the state.
