By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing bridge construction projects across Yobe State, with a major bridge linking the state capital to the northern senatorial district now nearly 90 percent complete.
The Yobe State Coordinator of the NEDC, Professor Ibrahim Ali Abbas, led an inspection team to the Jumbom bridge construction site on Friday.
He said the visit followed a formal request by the Yobe State Government to assess the cleanup and reconstruction efforts initiated after the devastating floods that affected the state last year.
According to Prof. Abbas, the Jumbom project is a critical two-span bridge linking Damaturu, the state capital, with Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
He explained that it serves as a vital route to the eastern part of Yobe Central and provides the main connection to Yobe North Senatorial District.
“The progress is satisfactory. The contractor, Greerland, has assured the Commission that the Jumbom Bridge will be completed and delivered within the next month,” he said.
Speaking on the Kaliari Bridge, a one-span structure located along the same corridor, Prof. Abbas acknowledged the slow pace of work but expressed confidence that the project would soon gain momentum.
“While we are not satisfied with the pace of work, our visit today and the directives from management should accelerate implementation.
“Once the rainy season subsides, this project will be 100 percent completed, Insha Allah,” he added.
He stressed the economic importance of the bridge projects, noting that last year’s floods completely washed away major roads, cutting off about 10 local government areas from Damaturu.
The disruption, he said, halted the transportation of agricultural produce, restricted the movement of residents, and denied many communities access to advanced healthcare services.
“The completion of these bridges will restore access, improve educational opportunities, boost commercial activities, and significantly enhance the livelihoods of people across this corridor,” Prof. Abbas said.
The NEDC is currently executing 12 bridge projects across Yobe State. Besides the Jumbom and Kaliari bridges, the Commission recently completed the Katarko Bridge along the Gujba–Damaturu Road, which was delivered about four to five months ago.
Other ongoing projects include bridges at Tandari and the Old Prison Bridge linking Damaturu and Potiskum, the Ngalda Bridge along the Potiskum–Fika Road, and the 50-kilometre Mutai Road project linking Fika and Gujba, where four bridges have already been completed while three others are under construction.
The Commission noted that all the projects were requested by the Yobe State Government and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-impact socio-economic infrastructure that will improve connectivity and development across Yobe State and the wider North-East region.