Yobe govt approves N73.3bn for agriculture, others

Yobe State Executive Council has approved projects and services worth N73.32 billion for agriculture, road infrastructure, housing, commerce, and empowerment programmes across the state.

The approvals were granted at the council meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Damaturu, presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the approvals reflected the administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of residents and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.

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According to him, the council approved N28.53 billion for the procurement of agricultural tools and implements under the 2026 mega agricultural empowerment programme, describing the initiative as part of government’s efforts to boost food production and support farmers.

“The state government successfully implemented similar agricultural empowerment programmes in 2024 and 2025, and this year’s intervention is intended to further strengthen agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods,” Bego said.

The council also approved N23.97 billion for two road projects, comprising N21.9 billion for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45-kilometre Kalallawa-Kaliyari Road linking Damaturu and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas, and N2.07 billion for the construction of the seven-kilometre Damagum-Gubana Road, completing road access to Gubana town.

To strengthen commercial activities, the council ratified N4.94 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi Modern Motor Park and Grains Market, while N5.69 billion was approved for external works and perimeter fencing at the Damaturu Modern Motor Park, which is nearing completion.

It also approved N3.95 billion for the construction of a shopping mall and mini-market in Buni-Gari, Gujba Local Government Area, as well as additional funding for upgrades at the ongoing Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall.

In the housing sector, the council approved N2.25 billion for the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and N1.18 billion for the construction of the Ministry of Housing headquarters.

The council further ratified N652.63 million for the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Limited as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural investment and food production in the state.

As part of its social intervention programmes, the council approved N460.83 million for the procurement of beans to support female small-scale entrepreneurs.

Bego said 1,780 bags of 50kg beans would be distributed alongside cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils, and kitchenware already procured by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.

The commissioner added that the council also approved N364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines to enhance livelihoods and promote self-reliance among beneficiaries across the state.

The Executive Council also approved a Public-Private Partnership arrangement for the redevelopment of the Yobe State Liaison Office in Kaduna into a modern hotel under a Build, Operate and Transfer model.

Bego explained that the liaison office would continue to operate within the facility, while ownership of the property would revert to the Yobe State Government after 10 years.