Yobe State Approves Over N40 Billion for Major Infrastructure, Youth Empowerment Projects

The Yobe State Executive Council (SEC), presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni, has approved over N40 billion for the execution of several capital projects across critical sectors, including robust investments in infrastructure development and youth empowerment initiatives. The significant approval was announced on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, following the council’s meeting in Damaturu.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, Abdullahi Bego, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, detailed the extensive list of projects set to receive funding. He underscored that these approvals reflect Governor Buni’s unwavering commitment to enhancing public services, boosting livelihoods, and fostering comprehensive development across the state.

A substantial portion of the approved funds is earmarked for critical infrastructure. This includes:

• Road Networks: N1.25 billion for the 5km Daya-Fadawa road, N4.38 billion for the 18.5km Mashio-Ngelzarma road, N671 million for the 2.5km Nahuta-Ngojin road, and N5.3 billion for the Damaturu-Gambir road project.
• Commercial Hubs: N2.7 billion for the Machina Modern Market, N3 billion as a variation for the Geidam Modern Market, and N3.9 billion for the completion of the Potiskum Modern Market. Additionally, N6.1 billion was approved for a Central Motor Park in Damaturu and N248 million for the first phase of remodeling and upgrading the Yobe Line Terminus.
• Government Facilities: N1.7 billion for the construction of new office complexes for five state agencies and N962.65 million for a dedicated office building for the Yobe Investment Company Ltd.
• Water Infrastructure: N396.92 million for the reconstruction of a collapsed water control gate in Alagarno village.

In a move to bolster human capital and create opportunities, particularly for the state’s burgeoning youth population, the council also approved funds for empowerment schemes. These include N442 million for the procurement of 100 complete barbershop equipment sets and N233 million for 50 sets of hairdressing salon equipment, aiming to promote job creation and entrepreneurship.

Agriculture, a vital sector for Yobe’s economy and a key avenue for livelihood enhancement, also received substantial attention. The council approved N3.8 billion for the procurement of agricultural inputs to support dry season farming, N480 million and N1.3 billion for the purchase of 490 and 1,412 solar-powered water pumps respectively for irrigation farmers, and N5.3 billion for the procurement of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizers for the 2025 farming season.

Furthermore, the health sector will benefit significantly, with N1.4 billion approved for construction works in selected health facilities and training institutions, and N1.23 billion ratified for the procurement of medical and laboratory equipment for secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

These comprehensive approvals underscore the Buni administration’s commitment to its “Budget of Economic Consolidation and Poverty Reduction” for 2025, which has allocated over N108 billion to social sector development, demonstrating a holistic approach to improving the lives of Yobe residents.