The Gombe State Government has approved the sum of N21.2 billion for the construction of the long-anticipated Northern Bypass Road, aimed at decongesting traffic, enhancing interconnectivity, and unlocking economic opportunities across the state.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Ethical Orientation, Hon. Mijinyawa Tilde, during a media briefing shortly after the 48th State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya at the Council Chamber of the Government House.

Providing further insight into the project, the Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport, Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, explained that the newly approved Phase One of the Northern Bypass road covers 8.5 kilometres road network.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the construction will start from Dukku road, near the grain silos, traverse the newly established Agro-Livestock Development Zone, and terminate at Kurba Road.

Meanwhile, Kallamu further clarified that “The bypass will improve traffic safety, ease urban congestion within the state capital, increase access to business hubs, and support logistics flow to and from the Agro-Livestock Development Zone and other key business areas.”

The Commissioner also announced that “plans were also underway to construct a Southern Bypass Road that will connect Liji to Kalshingi and link up with the Gombe–Yola Road, further enhancing internal connectivity and economic activities within the state.

“These bypass roads are crucial to improving access, reducing accidents, and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of our people,” the Commissioner noted.

In another development, the Council approved the procurement of 10,000 metric tons of fertiliser, equivalent to 200,000 bags of NPK 20:10:10, in preparation for the 2025 wet season farming.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle disclosed that the total value of the procurement is N8.8 billion, reflecting the government’s renewed commitment to food security and agricultural sustainability.

“The early procurement and planned distribution are clear testaments to the governor’s foresight and prioritisation of food production. This is more than the government has ever provided in the previous years,” Malle said.

He pointed out that Governor  Yahaya is scheduled to flag off the distribution and subsidised sale of the fertiliser on June 26, 2025, thus ensuring timely access for farmers ahead of the planting season.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru explained that the Council was briefed on the progress made in the revitalisation of Primary Health Care facilities and clinics across the 114 political wards of the state.

According to Dahiru, the Council had earlier approved the revitalisation of 82 Primary Health facilities, worth over N3 billion, with the aim of ensuring that each of the 114 political wards has two functional facilities.

“These will include expanding the labour room, wards, providing solar lighting systems, motorised boreholes, in addition to constructing parameter fencing, a gatehouse, and staff quarters,” the Commissioner added.