…Insists on Quality Standards, Timely Completion
By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Gombe State Government, through the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Transportation, has formally handed over a 184-hectare site to contractors for the construction of a state-of-the-art Agro-Livestock Development Zone.
During the handover ceremony held at the project site on Bajoga Road, opposite the Gombe Cemetery, the Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, Engr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, noted that the handing over followed the State Executive Council’s approval, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Danladi Adamu, the Commissioner noted that the contracts were awarded in three distinct batches.
“The projects are divided into the following lots to ensure specialized execution:
“Lot A1 is about the construction of Grains Market and general fencing (internal and external), and is awarded to Madugu Constructions Company Limited. Lot A2 comprises of construction of Timber Market And General Services, and is awarded to Lubel Nigeria Limited. Then lot A3 has to do with external mechanical and electrical works, which is awarded to Niglemech Nigeria Limited, while the lead consultant is Globach Associates Limited”.
The Commissioner specified that the projects have a completion timeline of 56 weeks.
In his submission, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Musa Malle, charged the contractors to strictly adhere to technical specifications, quality benchmarks, and the established terms of reference.
He described the zone as a landmark project that will define Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s legacy.
“His Excellency, in his magnanimity, is introducing transformative developments to the livestock and agricultural sectors,” Dr. Malle stated. “This is one of the enduring legacies he will leave for the people of Gombe State.”
Adding on technical perspective, the State Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, highlighted that the livestock sub-sector occupies a significant portion of the zone.
“His Excellency has approved the construction of the livestock sub-sector under L-PRES. This sector will feature an ultramodern abattoir, an international livestock market, a livestock fattening hub, a poultry production unit, and a tannery and leather factory,” Professor Abubakar explained.
Professor Abubakar noted that the zone is designed to international standards and is expected to stimulate the local economy, create jobs for the youth, and significantly reduce poverty.
He lauded Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his visionary leadership, particularly in his capacity as Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum.
“You do not see a project of this scale and model anywhere else in Nigeria,” he remarked. “The Governor is leading by example, demonstrating a keen understanding of modern economic realities.”
Representatives of the contracting firms—Darwich Zeini (Lubel Nigeria Ltd), Folade Kayode (Niglemech Nigeria Ltd), and Engr. Sulaiman Sanusi (Madugu Constructions) — expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity.
They collectively pledged to maintain high-quality standards and deliver the projects within the stipulated 56-week timeframe.
Architect Kabir Zakari, representing the consulting firm Globach Associates, assured the government of rigorous monitoring and supervision to ensure that all engineering and architectural standards are met without delay.
The Agro-Livestock Development Zone—which integrates an ultramodern abattoir, international livestock market, grains market, poultry unit, timber market, and an inland dry port—is poised to serve as a major catalyst for economic prosperity in Gombe State and beyond.