By Sule Aliyu, Bauchi
The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmad, has commissioned and handed over more than ten multi-billion naira projects executed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to the Bauchi State Government, as part of the Federal Government’s drive to accelerate socio-economic development in the North-East.
The projects, spanning key sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture and market development, were commissioned during an official visit to Bauchi State, which also featured inspections of ongoing NEDC interventions.
Krestnews reports that all completed projects were formally handed over to the Bauchi State Government to ensure sustainability and effective utilisation. The initiatives are aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving the welfare and living standards of Nigerians.
Among the commissioned projects are the newly constructed NEDC State Office, a mega school complex along Jos Road, a Medical Emergency Complex at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), and a modern fire service station with a fire truck at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Gubi Campus.
Other completed projects include the renovation of Government Secondary School (GSS), Yelwan Duguri, two Primary Health Centres in Yashi and Shira, a renovated school in Maina Maji, an ultra-modern cattle market in Alkaleri Local Government Area, and the Kalajanga–Bara–Tashan Turmi bridges along the Bauchi–Gombe Road.
The minister also inspected ongoing projects at GSS Bauchi, including two blocks of classrooms, an administration block and a laboratory, as well as the construction of the Gombe Abba–Kirfi Road.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad at the Government House, Bauchi, Ahmad said the projects underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure, improving service delivery and driving inclusive development across the North-East.
“These projects cut across education, healthcare, markets and other socio-economic facilities. They are designed to directly improve the quality of life of residents,” the minister said.
He explained that the delegation comprised officials of the Ministry of Regional Development, members of the National Assembly, the NEDC Board and senior management staff of the commission, responsible for policy direction, funding oversight and project implementation.
Ahmad commended the Bauchi State Government for what he described as landmark achievements in governance and development, assuring continued Federal Government support through the NEDC.
In his response, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad expressed appreciation to the NEDC for its sustained interventions in the state, describing them as a reflection of partnership, solidarity and shared responsibility.
The governor praised the minister for personally leading the delegation, noting that it demonstrated commitment beyond “armchair administration.”
“You have distinguished yourself, and so has the Managing Director of the NEDC, Muhammad Alkali, who has shown dedication, professionalism and clarity of vision in delivering on the commission’s mandate,” Muhammad said.
The governor assured that all NEDC projects in Bauchi State would be utilised strictly for their intended purposes, adding that relevant state agencies had been directed to fully participate in the handover processes and ensure sustainability.
He noted that the NEDC’s interventions had significantly impacted education, healthcare and humanitarian support, stressing that the commission was established to address challenges arising from insurgency and security crises in the region.
While commending the construction of bridges and road projects that have improved access to remote communities, the governor appealed for additional interventions in road infrastructure, technical education, housing and healthcare.
“We sincerely appreciate these interventions, but like Oliver Twist, we will always ask for more,” the governor said.
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