The Yobe State Government has approved N73.3 billion for agriculture empowerment, road infrastructure, markets, women empowerment and other key development projects across the state.
The State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Damaturu on Thursday.
According to Bego, N28.5 billion was approved for the procurement of farm inputs under the Mega Agriculture Empowerment Programme, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and supporting farmers across the state.
He recalled that similar interventions were implemented in 2024 and 2025 to improve food production and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.
The council also approved N4.94 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi Modern Motor Park and Grains Market, while N5.69 billion was earmarked for external facilities and augmentation of the perimeter fence at the Damaturu Modern Motor Park.
In addition, N3.95 billion was approved for the construction of a shopping mall and mini market in Buni-Gari, Gujba Local Government Area.
Other approvals include N652.63 million for the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Ltd., N1.18 billion for the construction of the headquarters of the Ministry of Housing, N2.25 billion for the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, N616.61 million for the upgrading, remodelling, landscaping and installation of safety barriers at four major roundabouts in Damaturu metropolis, and N726.09 million for additional works at the ongoing Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall.
As part of its empowerment programme, the council approved N460.83 million for the procurement of 1,780 bags of 50kg beans for distribution to female small-scale business owners.
According to the commissioner, the beneficiaries will also receive cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen items already procured by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
The council further approved N364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines for distribution to beneficiaries across the state.
On road infrastructure, Bego said the council ratified N23.97 billion for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45-kilometre Kalallawa-Kaliyari Road and the construction of the seven-kilometre Damagum-Gubana Road.
The council also approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to convert the Yobe State Liaison Office in Kaduna into a modern hotel under a Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) model.
Under the arrangement, the property will revert to the Yobe State Government after 10 years, while the liaison office will remain within the facility and continue to be operated by the state government.
Earlier, Governor Mai Mala Buni commended members of the State Executive Council for their commitment to service delivery and urged them to sustain efforts toward implementing the administration’s socio-economic development agenda.
According to the governor, the approvals reflect his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, boosting agriculture, promoting economic growth and enhancing the welfare of the people of Yobe State.
