From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu
A joint inspection team from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Damaturu Branch, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of major projects being executed by both the Federal and Yobe State Governments.
The team, on a routine quarterly oversight mission, visited three key project sites in the state capital on Tuesday — including the ongoing expansion of the Potiskum–Maiduguri expressway, the construction of new facilities at the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, and the comprehensive upgrade of the August 27th Stadium.
Briefing journalists after the tour, the Chairman of NSE Damaturu Branch, Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi, clarified that the exercise was a collaborative initiative, not an investigation.
“Our purpose is not to investigate anyone; we are not the police. We are here to share ideas,” he stated.
Engr. Abdullahi explained that the visit also served as a form of field training for young engineers and an avenue for professional oversight.
“We have young engineers with us who are gaining first-hand experience, alongside senior professionals who can provide practical solutions. Where we observe lapses, we offer recommendations — we are here to solve problems,” he added.
He specifically commended the ongoing road expansion from 530 Fika Road to the Stadium Roundabout, describing it as an excellent initiative that would stimulate economic activities and improve regional connectivity upon completion.
At the August 27th Stadium, which is undergoing a phased modernization to include new administrative blocks, grandstands, an indoor sports hall, and a players’ complex, the NSE Chairman noted that the project would positively impact youth engagement and help reduce restiveness in the state.
Reacting to the inspection, the Area Manager of Triacta Nigeria, Mr. Fadi Abi Aad — the firm handling the Potiskum–Maiduguri road expansion — welcomed the engineers’ assessment, revealing that 1.5 kilometers of the 6.6-kilometer project had been completed.
“Having these engineers involved with us is a great pleasure. They have added value by giving us more ideas and pointing out things we may have missed,” Aad said.
He expressed optimism that the project would be completed before the rainy season, ahead of the December deadline.
Similarly, at the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, the team inspected an ongoing one-storey classroom block and the construction of the Health Science and Technology Complex funded by the Federal Government.