By Mohammed Dala Lawan
The Yobe State Executive Council (EXCO), chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni, has approved over N6 billion worth of projects in healthcare, road infrastructure, and commerce.
The council also ratified a new policy requiring all public officers to undergo training on public finance law.
Briefing Journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the State Commissioner of Finance, Muhammad Abatcha, said the law signed in 2020, has not been widely circulated among public officers.
To ensure compliance, the council approved the inclusion of the law in civil service examinations. Senior officers seeking promotion will now be examined on the content of the law.
He explained that Newly appointed officials will receive copies of the Public Finance Management Law and its Implementation Manual upon assuming duty.
In a significant boost to healthcare, the council ratified anticipatory approvals totaling over N2.1 billion for hospital upgrades and procurement of medical equipment.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, announced that N1.7 billion was approved for civil works at the Specialist Hospitals in Buni Yadi and Damaturu, as well as the General Hospital in Nangere.
The funds will be used to upgrade operating theaters and maternity centers to meet regulatory standards.
Additionally, N473 million was ratified for the procurement of modern medical equipment, including radio-diagnostic tools, for hospitals across the state.
The council also approved two major infrastructure projects in Potiskum worth N2.6 billion.
According to the Commissioner of Works, Engr. Umar Wakili Duddaye, the projects include the 4.7-kilometer extension of the Potiskum Township Road, linking Bazuwa Junction to Unguwan Fulani, and the expansion of the Potiskum Trailer Park.
The trailer park expansion will double the present capacity from 3,000 to 6,000 square meters, accommodating more vehicles and improving traffic flow.
In the commerce sector, the Commissioner of Commerce, Kaigama Umar, said the council approved the construction of pavements, clinics, and fire service stations in the nearly completed modern markets in Ngalda and Yunusari.
A third project involves extensive external works at the Ngalda Modern Market, including drainage systems, a retaining wall, and land reclamation.
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