The Humanitarian Times

By Abdulkareem Haruna

The Yobe State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni, has approved a massive expenditure of N73.3 billion aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity, upgrading transport infrastructure, and scaling up poverty alleviation efforts across the state.

The approvals were announced on Thursday in Damaturu following an executive council meeting at the Government House. The projects span critical sectors, including agriculture, commerce, housing, and road network expansion, reflecting what the administration describes as a commitment to the socio-economic development agenda of the state.

Scaling Up Agriculture and Empowerment
The most significant allocation from the council’s deliberations is directed toward the agricultural sector. The government earmarked N28.5 billion for the procurement of agricultural tools and implements, specifically for the 2026 “Mega Agric Empowerment Programme.”

This initiative follows previous multi-billion naira investments in agricultural support in 2024 and 2025.

In a move targeting grassroots economic support, the council also approved:
N460.8 million for the procurement of 1,780 bags (50kg) of beans, to be distributed to female small business owners alongside cooking oil, smokeless stoves, and other kitchen utensils.
N364.5 million for the procurement of 1,000 units of Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines to be distributed as empowerment tools across the state. N652.6 million for the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Ltd.
Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
A significant portion of the approved budget focuses on transforming commercial activities and urban landscape in the state capital and rural areas.

Notable infrastructure approvals include:
N4.9 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi Modern Motor Park and Grains Market.
N5.7 billion for the completion of external facilities and perimeter fencing at the Damaturu Modern Motor Park.
N3.9 billion for the construction of a new shopping mall and mini-market in Buni-Gari town, Gujba Local Government.
N726.1 million for further upgrades to the ongoing Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall project.
N616.6 million for the remodeling and landscaping of four major roundabouts in the Damaturu metropolis.
To address housing needs and administrative office requirements, the council approved N1.18 billion for the construction of an office complex for the Ministry of Housing and N2.25 billion for the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Road Network Expansion
The Yobe State government is also committing over N23.9 billion to road development projects to improve connectivity between rural markets and urban centers.
The council ratified the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45km Kalallawa-Kaliyari road at the cost of N21.9 billion, as well as the construction of a 7km road from Damagum to Gubana, valued at N2.07 billion. The latter project serves to finalize the 17km access road connecting to Gubana town.
Strategic Liaison Office Revamp

In a shift toward maximizing state-owned assets, the council approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for the conversion of the Yobe State Liaison Office in Kaduna into a modern hotel.

Under the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) arrangement, the developer will manage the property for ten years, after which ownership reverts to the Yobe State Government. The government noted that the premises will continue to house state liaison services throughout the duration of the partnership.

Governor Buni, while chairing the session, lauded members of the State Executive Council for their diligence in advancing the administration’s developmental goals.