Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The Gombe State Executive Council has approved over N50 billion for a major gully erosion control project aimed at protecting communities and public infrastructure across erosion-prone areas of the state.
The project, under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and awarded to TRIACTA Limited, will cover a 21-kilometre stretch from behind the Commissioner of Police’s residence, through Pantami to Kwarin-Hayin Kwarin Misau and down to GGSS Doma.
Commissioner for Environment, Water and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, announced the approval on Wednesday after the council meeting, adding that an additional N2.1 billion was approved for compensation to persons whose properties or livelihoods may be affected.
In a related development, the council also approved the conversion of Government Secondary School (GSS) Malam Sidi into a Faculty of Agriculture under Gombe State University, with N1.1 billion as take-off funding.
Commissioner for Higher Education, Muhammad Shettima Gadam, said the faculty will house four departments and offer 10 courses including BSc in Agriculture, Animal Science, Crop Science, Horticulture, and Fisheries.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Usman Maijama Kallamu, disclosed that N891 million was approved for urgent repairs of critical roads in Akko, Bula-Gari, and Kwami.
The council also approved a full and final settlement of an inherited N2.7 billion mortgage loan from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, said Governor Inuwa Yahaya secured a 70% waiver, reducing the state’s repayment to N1.4 billion.
Attorney General, Barr. Zubair Umar revealed the state also reached an out-of-court settlement with Zenith Bank over a decade-long N872 million contract dispute, saving further legal costs.
