The Yobe State Executive Council has approved ₦73.3 billion for a broad package of agriculture, infrastructure, housing, road construction, and economic empowerment projects aimed at accelerating socio-economic development across the state. The approvals, announced after the Council meeting in Damaturu, underscore the state’s continued focus on food security, infrastructure expansion, and inclusive economic growth.
A significant portion of the funding of ₦28.53 billion has been allocated to the procurement of farm inputs under the state’s 2026 Mega Agriculture Empowerment Programme. The initiative is designed to increase agricultural productivity by providing farmers with essential inputs ahead of the farming season. State officials noted that similar interventions implemented in previous years have contributed to improved crop production and strengthened Yobe’s position as a major producer of beans, sesame, millet, sorghum, and wheat.
Beyond agriculture, the Council approved ₦4.94 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi Modern Motor Park and Grains Market, while ₦5.69 billion was earmarked for external facilities and expansion of the perimeter fence at the Damaturu Modern Motor Park. The government also approved ₦3.95 billion for the development of a shopping mall and mini-market in Buni-Gari, Gujba Local Government Area, to stimulate commercial activities and create new business opportunities.
To strengthen transportation infrastructure, the Executive Council ratified ₦23.97 billion for two major road projects. These include the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45-kilometre Kalallawa–Kaliyari Road and the construction of the 7-kilometre Damagum-Gubana Road, projects expected to improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and enhance access to rural communities.
The Council also approved ₦2.25 billion for the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, alongside ₦1.18 billion for the construction of a new headquarters for the State Ministry of Housing. Additional approvals include funding for the upgrading of major roundabouts in Damaturu, expansion of the Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall, and the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Limited to strengthen agricultural production and investment.
As part of its social intervention programme, the state approved ₦460.83 million for the procurement of beans to be distributed to women entrepreneurs, alongside cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils, and other household items. Another ₦364.48 million was approved for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines to support small-scale businesses and improve livelihoods across the state.
According to the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, the approved projects are aligned with the state’s development agenda, which prioritises agriculture, infrastructure, housing, commerce, and economic empowerment as key drivers of sustainable growth. The government believes the investments will create jobs, improve rural incomes, enhance food production, and stimulate private-sector activity across Yobe State.
The approvals reinforce Yobe State’s strategy of combining agricultural investment with infrastructure development to promote long-term economic resilience. By expanding transport networks, modern markets, housing, and support programmes for farmers and small businesses, the state aims to improve living standards while strengthening its contribution to Nigeria’s food security and regional economic development.
