The Yobe State Executive Council has approved projects and programmes worth N73.32 billion to accelerate agricultural development, expand road infrastructure, boost housing delivery and strengthen economic empowerment across the state.
The approvals were granted at the Executive 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 Buni administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, economic growth and improved service delivery.
The Council earmarked the largest allocation of N28.53 billion for the procurement of agricultural tools and implements under the 2026 Mega Agricultural Empowerment Programme, building on similar interventions implemented in 2024 and 2025 to enhance food production and support farmers.
To improve road connectivity, the Council ratified N23.97 billion for two major road projects. The approvals include N21.90 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.
According to Bego, the Damagum-Gubana project will complete a 17-kilometre road corridor connecting Gubana town to Damagum, improving access and economic activities in the area.
In a move to enhance commercial infrastructure, the Council approved 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 augmentation of the perimeter fence at the Damaturu Modern Motor Park, which is nearing completion.
The Council also approved N3.95 billion for the construction of a shopping mall and mini-market in Buni-Gari, Gujba Local Government Area, alongside N726.09 million for upgrades to the ongoing Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall project.
To improve the aesthetics and safety of the state capital, the Council approved N616.61 million for the remodelling, landscaping and installation of safety barriers at four major roundabouts in Damaturu.
In the housing sector, the Council ratified N2.25 billion for the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and approved N1.18 billion for the construction of the headquarters and office complex of the Ministry of Housing.
It further approved N652.63 million for the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Ltd, as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural investments in the state.
As part of its women empowerment initiative, the Council approved N460.83 million for the procurement of beans to be distributed to female small-scale entrepreneurs across the state.
The beans will complement cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen items already procured by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation. A total of 1,780 bags of 50kg beans will be distributed to beneficiaries.
In another empowerment initiative, the Council approved N364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines for beneficiaries across the state.
The Executive Council also endorsed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the redevelopment of the Yobe State Liaison Office in Kaduna into a modern hotel under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model.
Under the agreement, the facility will revert to the ownership of the Yobe State Government after 10 years, while liaison office operations will continue uninterrupted throughout the concession period.
The approvals underscore the Buni administration’s commitment to expanding agricultural productivity, improving transport infrastructure, promoting urban renewal, increasing access to housing, empowering women and small businesses, and leveraging public assets to drive sustainable economic development across Yobe State.
