Yobe Executive Council Approves Over N4.8 Billion for Projects, Enforces Accountability Law

From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu

The Yobe State Executive Council has approved a major wave of spending on infrastructure and healthcare, with a parallel push to enforce fiscal accountability among public servants.

The approvals, announced by various commissioners after a council meeting presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni, total over ₦4.8 billion.

Commissioner of Health, Dr Mohammed Lawan Gana explained that the Council has dedicated substantial funds to upgrading the state’s healthcare facilities.

According to him, a total of ₦1.72 billion was approved for civil works to upgrade Specialist Hospital Bunyadi, Specialist Hospital Damaturu, and General Hospital Nangere.

“The work will focus on modernising operating theatres and maternity centres to meet state regulatory standards. An additional ₦473.7 million was ratified for the procurement of new medical equipment, including radiodiagnostic machines, for hospitals across the state,” said the health Commissioner.

In a significant infrastructure move, the council approved ₦2.69 billion for two key road projects in Potiskum. The projects include the construction of a 4.7-kilometre township road and a new link road from Baswa Junction to anguwan Fulani, connecting to the Fika-Gombe road.

Commissioner of Work, Engr. Umar Wakili highlighted that the new link road is vital, as it will address a major accessibility issue: children are often unable to reach school during the rainy season due to a river crossing.

In a major governance policy shift, the Council announced that the Public Finance Management Law (2020) will now be strictly enforced.

Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Mohammad Abacha, stated that it will now be mandatory for all public officers to receive and study the law before starting their work. Furthermore, senior civil servants seeking promotion will now be examined on the law’s contents to ensure accountability and transparency in public spending.

The council also ratified projects for the commerce sector, including, construction of pavements, clinics, and a fire service station in markets in Ngalda and Gunusari.

Others are; external works for the Ngalda modern market, including drainage and a boundary wall and resuscitation of the state’s Polythene bag and Woven sack company in Damaturu.