The Gombe State Government, in partnership with several Local Government Areas (LGAs), has approved over ₦2 billion for solar street lighting and vital rural development projects. The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure, promote agricultural productivity, and stimulate economic activities across the state.
The Director-General of the Gombe State Joint Project Development Agency, Mr. Mahmood Yusuf, disclosed the approvals on Tuesday following the State’s Joint Project Council meeting in Gombe. According to Yusuf, the state government is prioritizing infrastructure that will directly impact local economies and communities.
Among the key approvals is the installation of solar streetlights in six communities within Nafada LGA, with a total budget of ₦681.4 million. Additionally, solar-powered street lighting will be installed along newly constructed roads in Tumfure, Akko LGA, at a cost of ₦1.143 billion.
“These projects are critical for enhancing security, promoting trade and commerce, and boosting agriculture in rural areas,” Yusuf said.
He also confirmed the upgrade of the ongoing Kaltoma market project in Billiri LGA to a one-storey structure, with the revised cost pegged at ₦213 million. Furthermore, additional works at the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) site in Yamaltu Deba LGA were approved to further support agricultural development in the region.
Ghost Worker Audit Saves ₦67 Million
Speaking on efforts to improve fiscal discipline and efficiency in the public service, Dr. Ahmed Wali, Chairman of Kwami LGA and head of the state’s Staff Verification Committee, revealed that the state saved ₦67 million in April through a comprehensive verification exercise.
He stated that 686 staff who failed to appear before the committee were responsible for ₦31 million in salary savings, while ₦36 million was saved after 265 deceased or retired staff were discovered to still be on the government payroll.
“This exercise is not aimed at sacking genuine workers but at sanitising the system and enhancing productivity. We are committed to eliminating ghost workers in all LGAs,” Wali said.
Ongoing Infrastructure Investments
The latest round of approvals builds on earlier investments made by the Gombe State Government. In March, ₦1.15 billion was approved for solar streetlight installation and infrastructure upgrades across three LGAs.
More recently, the government announced an additional ₦19.97 billion in infrastructure and development initiatives, targeting industrial growth, improved water access, education, and environmental sustainability.
To mitigate the effects of erosion, Gombe also allocated ₦2.14 billion for compensation under the World Bank-guided ACRESaL erosion control program. Residents affected by the mitigation efforts will be compensated in line with global standards.
Additionally, ₦2.1 billion has been approved for the operational maintenance of the Gombe Regional Water Project to ensure a reliable and continuous water supply to the Gombe metropolis and neighboring communities.
