Yobe has secured support from the North-East Development Commission for the reconstruction of the Damaturu-Gujba-Buni-Yadi-Magza highway.

Governor Mai Mala Buni inaugurated the project in Damaturu on Wednesday, describing the road as critical to security, agriculture and cross-border trade.

Mr Buni said the highway, constructed over five decades ago, links Yobe to southern Borno and other parts of the North-East, facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.

He said that increased traffic and years of deterioration damaged sections of the road, making comprehensive reconstruction necessary.

According to him, the state government approached the commission for intervention on the strategic corridor.

“I am happy that our discussions with the commission have yielded positive results, culminating in the flag-off of this important project,” he said.

The governor commended the commission for prioritising the request and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure as a pillar of post-insurgency recovery.

He said improved road networks enhance the movement of security personnel and equipment, while also enabling farmers to access farmland and markets.

Mr Buni urged the benefiting communities to cooperate with the contractors and to strictly adhere to the contractual specifications to ensure quality delivery.

The commission’s managing director, Mohammed Alkali, assured residents of the project’s timely completion.

Mr Alkali attributed the intervention to sustained engagements by the state government, stating that consistent follow-up transformed intention into action.

He said the commission had executed several projects in Yobe, including the installation of over 6,000 solar street lights and the construction of three mega schools, all of which have been commissioned.

The NEDC boss added that more than 150 functional boreholes had been provided, while the commission’s state office in Yobe was the first to be completed in the North-East.

He pledged continued collaboration with the state government to accelerate the recovery and socio-economic development across the state.

(NAN)