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FG Assures Timely Completion of ₦75.47bn Potiskum–Jakusko–Gashua Road, Commissions Projects in Yobe
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has assured the people of Yobe State of the timely completion of key federal road projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The interventions aim to restore failed roads, improve access, and support economic and social activities across the state and its neighbours.
As part of a national media tour of federal roads and the commissioning of emergency/special intervention projects, Yobe State’s version was held on Monday, 9 February 2026. It was led by the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Yobe State, Engr. Nasir Dauda, and included officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Damaturu Branch, contractors, community leaders, and members of the media.
At the rehabilitation site of the Potiskum–Jakusko–Gashua road, section I, Engr. Dauda assured residents of the timely completion of the ₦75.47 billion project. He stated that the road was awarded in 2024 to Messrs JRB Construction Limited, with a scheduled completion date of 14 May, 2026.
The project covers 79.4 kilometres and is being constructed on continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP). He explained that work commenced from Chainage 49, identified as the most critical section of the road due to erosion and flooding challenges.
The Project Manager, Engr. Kabir Fatai confirmed that over 1.5 kilometres of the pavement have already been completed, with work prioritised on vulnerable sections ahead of the rainy season. The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Damaturu Branch, Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi described the choice of rigid pavement as appropriate and confirmed that tests showed a pavement thickness of 200 millimetres. He noted that the project will boost economic activities, reduce road accidents, and significantly shorten travel time.
The inspection team also commissioned an emergency road project at the College of Administration, Management and Technology (CAMTECH), Potiskum. The FCW stated that the 490-metre access road was executed to ease movement for staff and students and was completed within three months. He added that the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s concern for the well-being of students. The Rector of the Institution, Mallam Ibrahim Bomai Zarma, thanked the Federal Government for the project, describing the road as being built to standard, and appealed for additional intervention projects. The Chairman, NSE observed that the road will significantly improve transportation within the institution and support academic activities.
Two (2) additional projects were commissioned in Potiskum town: the CABS/Graveyard Road and the Limited Rehabilitation of Hayin Gada Road. These projects form part of the Federal Government’s 260 Emergency and Special Intervention projects nationwide. The roads were delivered to restore access, improve safety, and ease movement within the communities and their neighbours.
The completed projects in Potiskum were commissioned, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, by the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, Mr. Usman Mohammed. He commended the Federal Government for its well-thought-out and timely interventions in the state.
The Representative of the Minister further commissioned the 8.8-kilometre Damagum–Gubana Road, which Engr. Dauda disclosed was contracted to Messrs Petropan Energy Limited at the cost of ₦1.49 billion and completed within one year. He explained that the road links several agrarian communities and has tremendously improved the transportation of farm produce. The Yerima of Fune and District Head of Damagum, Alhaji Idris Mai Saleh, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, agreeing that the road will ease the movement of goods and support local livelihoods. Engr. Abdullahi confirmed that the project meets engineering standards and will further stimulate economic activities. The Vice Chairman also commissioned the road on behalf of the Honourable Minister.
Another project inspected was the Kaleyeri–Damaturu Road, a 54.5-kilometre federal highway awarded in 2019 to Messrs Ric Rock Construction Limited. The Controller confirmed that the contractor has returned fully to the site. The Project Engineer, Engr. Ayodele Ajibogi disclosed that earthworks are ongoing in two sections, with three kilometres of binder course completed. He assured that the project will be delivered as scheduled.
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SGF, Gbajabiamila, Wase, HoS Mandate FCC Board; Chairman Declares End to Business as Usual
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, urging the recently inaugurated members of the fifth Board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to strengthen enforcement of constitutional provisions guiding inclusive governance.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction and sensitization workshop at Stratton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, OFR, described the gathering as a strategic national engagement aimed at repositioning the Commission as a proactive and results-driven institution.
Represented by his technical adviser, Professor Babatunde Bernard, Akume emphasized the importance of assertive regulatory measures.
“The Commission must move beyond routine compliance toward a more assertive regulatory framework that ensures fairness, accountability, and inclusive governance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Nigerians expect a Commission that is principled, independent, and professional. The Federal Character Principle must neither be politicized nor diluted,” he said.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the Federal Character Commission as a strategic pillar within Nigeria’s governance architecture.
The former Speaker, House of Representatives, reminded commissioners that their mandate extends beyond political appointments to equitable distribution of national opportunities and development initiatives.
“Federal Character must never become a mere arithmetic exercise. Representation and merit must strengthen one another rather than compete. You are custodians of one of the most delicate compacts holding our nation together. When fairness is upheld, Nigeria feels united; when it is ignored, the country feels fragile,” Gbajabiamila said.
Also, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, stressed the value of collaboration between the legislature and the Commission in ensuring balanced representation across the federation.
“The Federal Character Commission must remain a guardian of fairness and inclusion. Balanced representation builds trust and reinforces democratic stability. Inclusion and competence must work together. Strong institutions emerge when fairness and merit are applied side by side,” Wase stated.
Representing Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary for the Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed re-emphasized the need for disciplined and efficient human resource management across the public service.
“Federal Character is not only about representation; it is about ensuring that appointments and placements are strategic, merit-driven, and aligned with national priorities,” he said.
In her welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the induction programme as a defining moment in the Commission’s institutional evolution, stressing that the workshop align with vision, deepen understanding of statutory responsibilities, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
“The Federal Character Principle is not a political slogan, it is a stabilizing framework that promotes fairness, inclusion, and national cohesion. It will not be business as usual. We are committed to ethical conduct, accountability, and lawful enforcement of our mandate,” Omidiran affirmed.
The opening day of the induction workshop was attended by the Secretary, Honorable Commissioners and Directors of the Federal Character Commission.
Themed “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” featuring sessions led by seasoned resource persons and policy experts, focusing on leadership, monitoring frameworks, data-driven compliance, and collaborative governance.
Photos: Hon Hulayat Omidiran, Executive Chairman, and Hon Ahmed Idris Wase. Chairman House Committee on Federal Character; Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Prof Babatunde Bernard (Rep of SGF), Dr Ishiyaku Mohammed, Permanent Secretary SPOS of HoS.
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