The Gombe State Government has approved a total of ₦19.97 billion to fund a range of infrastructure and development projects, with a strong focus on industrial expansion, basic education, water supply, and environmental resilience.
This major financial commitment was disclosed following the 46th meeting of the State Executive Council, which was chaired by Governor Inuwa Yahaya. The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Malam Muhammad Magaji, gave a detailed breakdown of the funding during a press briefing covered by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to the report, “The Gombe State Executive Council has approved ₦19.97 billion for various projects, counterpart funding, and compensation for erosion control across the state. Malam Muhammad Magaji, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, announced this at a news conference following the 46th council meeting chaired by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya. Magaji said the projects include the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, regional water project maintenance, gully erosion compensation, and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart funding.”
Among the flagship initiatives is the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which will receive an additional ₦5.5 billion to support its completion. The industrial park, which has been under construction for over three years and is currently 80% complete, now has a revised total cost of ₦24 billion. The government has reiterated its commitment to finalising the park by year-end, positioning it as a key driver of industrial activity and youth employment in the state.
In a parallel effort to strengthen the education sector, the council has endorsed ₦5.2 billion in counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). This allocation will support basic education programmes through the end of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. A further ₦5.03 billion has been approved for ongoing UBEC projects throughout the remainder of 2025, signalling the administration’s dedication to improving educational outcomes.
Environmental protection also features prominently in the approved budget, with ₦2.14 billion allocated for compensation under the ACRESaL erosion control initiative. In line with World Bank standards, the compensation will be disbursed to affected individuals and communities, ensuring fair treatment and support throughout the project’s implementation.
To secure consistent access to clean water, the council has also sanctioned ₦2.1 billion for the maintenance of the Gombe Regional Water Project. This will guarantee a reliable water supply for residents in the metropolis and surrounding communities.
These developments mark a significant investment in Gombe State’s future. The projects are designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance public services, and improve living standards across the state.
