By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Executive Council (SEC) has approved projects and programmes worth N73.3 billion aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, agricultural productivity, housing, women’s empowerment, and economic growth across the state.
The approvals were granted during the State Executive Council meeting held in Damaturu and chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni.
A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of over N28.531 billion for the procurement of agricultural tools and implements under the 2026 Mega Agricultural Empowerment Programme, reinforcing the state’s commitment to boosting food production and supporting farmers.
The Council also ratified over N4.939 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi Modern Motor Park and Grains Market, while N5.688 billion was approved for external infrastructure and the augmentation of the perimeter fence at the Damaturu Modern Motor Park, which is nearing completion.
To stimulate commerce in Gujba Local Government Area, the Council approved over N3.945 billion for the construction of a shopping mall and mini-market in Buni-Gari.
In the agricultural sector, the Council ratified N652.627 million for the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Ltd, while N1.177 billion was approved for the construction of the headquarters and office complex for the Ministry of Housing.
The Executive Council also approved N2.248 billion for the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to expand access to affordable housing in the state.
As part of ongoing urban renewal efforts, the Council approved the upgrading, remodelling, landscaping and installation of safety barriers at four major roundabouts in Damaturu metropolis, alongside additional upgrades to the Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall, which is currently under construction.
To strengthen women’s economic participation and promote self-reliance, the Council approved N460.828 million for the procurement of 1,780 bags of 50kg beans for distribution to women engaged in small businesses.
The beneficiaries will also receive cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen equipment, which have already been procured and stored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
Under the same ministry, the Council further approved N364.475 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX390 grinding machines to support livelihood and empowerment programmes across the state.
In the road sector, the Council ratified N23.975 billion for two major road projects.
The approvals include N21.904 billion for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45-kilometre Kalallawa–Kaliyari Road spanning Damaturu and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas, and N2.071 billion for the construction of the 7-kilometre Damagum–Gubana Road, completing a 17-kilometre road link to Gubana town from Damagum.
The Council also approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the redevelopment of the Yobe State Liaison Office in Kaduna into a modern hotel under a Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) arrangement.
Under the agreement, the property will revert to the Yobe State Government after ten years, while the liaison office will remain within the facility and continue to be operated by the state government.
