From, Sani Gazas Chinade Damaturu
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing bridge construction across Yobe State, with a major link connecting the state capital to the northern senatorial district now nearly 90% complete.
Professor Ibrahim Ali Abbas, the Yobe State Coordinator for the NEDC, led an inspection team to the Jumbom construction site on Friday.
He said the visit follows a formal request by local authorities to assess the cleanup and reconstruction efforts initiated after devastating floods last year.
Abbas added that, the Jumbom site is a critical two-span bridge that links Damaturu, the state capital, with Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
He said it serves as a vital artery leading to the eastern part of Yobe Central, and also provides the main connection to the Yobe North Senatorial District.
“The progress is so far satisfactory. The contractor, Greerland, has assured the Commission that the Jumbom bridge will be delivered within the next month.” He said.
Regarding the Kaliari Bridge, a one-span structure on the same corridor, the coordinator noted a slower start but expressed confidence in an accelerated timeline.
“While we are not happy with its speed, our visit today and management instructions should expedite implementation. Once the rainy season settles, this project will be 100% delivered, inshallah,” he added.
The economic importance of these projects cannot be overstated. Last year’s floods completely washed out the roads, effectively cutting off about 10 local governments from Damaturu.
This disruption halted the transport of farm produce, restricted civilian movement, and critically blocked access to advanced healthcare facilities.
“The completion of these bridges will restore access, improve education, boost business, and significantly enhance overall livelihoods across this corridor,” Prof. Abbas explained.
The NEDC is currently undertaking a total of 12 bridges across the state. In addition to the Jumbom and Kaliari projects, the Commission highlighted the recent completion of the Katarko Bridge along the Gujba–Damaturu Road, which was finished four to five months ago.
Other ongoing projects including: bridges in Tandari and the old prison bridge linking Damaturu and Potiskum, Ngalda bridge along the Potiskum–Fika Road, the 50-kilometer Mutai Road project, linking Fika and Gujba, which already has four completed bridges and three more under construction.
All projects were requested by the Yobe State Government, and the NEDC has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-impact socioeconomic infrastructure for the state and the wider Northeast region.
