The Gombe State Government, in partnership with Local Government Areas, has approved over N2 billion for solar street lighting and key rural development projects designed to boost infrastructure, agriculture, and economic growth across the state.
The Director-General of the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, Mr. Mahmood Yusuf, announced the approvals on Tuesday following the State’s Joint Project Council meeting in Gombe.
He revealed that additional works at the National Agricultural Land Development Agency in Yamaltu Deba LGA were approved to support the agricultural sector.
Yusuf disclosed significant upgrades to ongoing projects, stating: “The ongoing Kaltoma market project in Billiri would now be upgraded to a one-storey building at a revised cost of N213 million.” He added: “Also approved was the installation of solar streetlights in six Nafada communities, with the project estimated at N681.4 million,” noting that solar lighting would also be installed along newly constructed roads in Tumfure, Akko LGA, at a cost of N1.143 billion.
According to Yusuf, these projects will enhance security, promote economic activities, and strengthen agricultural development across Gombe State.
In a related development, Dr. Ahmed Wali, Kwami LGA Chairman and head of the Verification Committee, reported on the ongoing staff verification exercise across the state’s 11 Local Government Councils. Wali revealed the exercise saved N67 million in April alone through uncovered discrepancies.
“686 workers failed to appear before the committee, leading to a saving of N31 million from unpaid salaries,” Wali stated, adding that “another N36 million was saved after 265 deceased or retired staff were found to still be on the payroll.” He emphasized that the exercise aims to eliminate ghost workers while protecting genuine staff, saying: “The exercise was ongoing and aimed at boosting productivity while eliminating ghost workers, not sacking genuine staff.”
These approvals follow earlier infrastructure investments, including N1.15 billion approved in March for solar streetlights and development projects across three LGAs, and a more recent N19.97 billion allocation for broader infrastructure and development initiatives focusing on industrial growth, water supply, education, and environmental sustainability.
As part of environmental interventions, the state allocated N2.14 billion for compensation under the ACRESaL erosion control project, with payments following World Bank standards for residents affected by erosion mitigation efforts.
The State Executive Council also approved N2.1 billion for operational maintenance of the Gombe Regional Water Project to ensure sustainable water supply to Gombe metropolis and surrounding communities.
These comprehensive development projects are expected to significantly enhance infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and deliver long-term social and environmental benefits throughout Gombe State.
