By Kabir Muh’d Getso
As part of a National Media Tour aimed at showcasing federal infrastructure delivery across the country, a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Works has visited and inspected several ongoing and completed road projects in Yobe State, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road connectivity and infrastructure development in the North-East.
The delegation, led by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mohammed A. Ahmed, comprised senior officials from the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
They were joined by the Yobe State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Nasir Dauda, who guided the team around the project sites.
Also part of the inspection team were representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), including the Chairman of its Damaturu Branch, Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi, as well as officials of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council.
One of the major projects inspected was the rehabilitation of the Potiskum–Jakusko–Gashua Road, Section One, covering the Potiskum to Fani axis.
The project, being executed by Messrs JRB Constructions Limited, spans a total length of 79.628 kilometres and is valued at ₦75.47 billion. According to the briefing at the site, notable progress has been recorded, including concrete reinforced cement pavement construction from chainage 49+681 to 51+170 for half of the carriageway, measuring 5.15 metres, as well as the completion of reinforced line drains between chainage 5+204 and 5+625 on the right-hand side.
The team also inspected the rehabilitation of internal roads at the College of Administration, Management and Technology (CAMTECH), Potiskum, formerly known as the College of Administrative and Business Studies. The 0.490-kilometre project, handled by Messrs Jam Jam Dynamic Platform Limited at a cost of ₦399.98 million, has been completed. A similar inspection was conducted on the limited rehabilitation of Hayin Gada Road in Potiskum, a 0.420-kilometre stretch executed by Messrs Crane and Castle Limited at a cost of ₦400 million, which has also been completed.
In Fune Local Government Area, the delegation inspected the completed Damagum–Gubana Road project.
The 8.8-kilometre road, constructed by Messrs Petropan Energy Limited at a cost of ₦1.49 billion, was described as a significant intervention that will enhance mobility, ease transportation of agricultural produce, and improve socio-economic activities within the area and adjoining communities.
Another key project visited was the rehabilitation of the Kaliyari–Damaturu Road, covering a distance of 54.5 kilometres and being handled by Ric Rock Construction Nigeria Limited. While the level of work carried out was described as impressive, the inspection team noted the need for the contractor to accelerate the pace of work in order to meet project timelines without compromising quality.
At the various project sites, expressions of appreciation came from different stakeholders and beneficiaries. Road users commended the Federal Government for intervening in critical road infrastructure, noting that the projects would significantly reduce travel time, vehicle operating costs, and accidents.
The Provost of CAMTECH, Potiskum, Ibrahim Bomai Zarma, also expressed gratitude for the rehabilitation of the institution’s roads, describing it as a boost to the learning environment and overall campus development.
Similarly, the representative of the Emir of Fune, the Yerima of Fune, Idriss Mai Saleh, applauded the completion of the Damagum–Gubana Road, stating that the project would open up rural communities, enhance security, and stimulate economic growth in the area.
Speaking during the inspections, the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Damaturu Branch, Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi, commended the quality of work observed across most of the project sites.
However, he advised the contractor handling the Kaliyari–Damaturu Road to sustain construction standards while increasing the speed of execution to ensure timely delivery.
In line with directives from the Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi, the Vice Chairman of the NUJ, Yobe State Council, Usman Mohammed Nasoro, who represented the Council Chairman, Comrade Rajab Mohammed Ismael, formally commissioned the completed projects during the tour.
The Federal Ministry of Works delegation reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all awarded projects are executed in line with specifications and delivered for public use.
They assured that the ongoing inspections and engagements are part of deliberate efforts to ensure that the infrastructure transformation drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is successfully implemented across the country, with Yobe State receiving its fair share of development interventions.