…As Gov’t Projects Conform to Planning Regulations
…GOSUPDA Improves Revenue by 20%, Aims 50% Increase Next Year
By Saeed Ahmad Bappah, Gombe
The Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA), Alhaji Bappayo Samanja Maudo (Turaki Babba of Gombe), has described the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as the most transformative in the history of Gombe State since its creation in 1996.
Speaking during interaction with newsmen in his office, the Executive Chairman, who also doubles as Chairman of the Task Force on Gala Houses, said that in just six years, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has delivered unprecedented infrastructural development that places Gombe among the most progressive states in Nigeria.
“Since the return of democracy in 1999, we’ve witnessed several administrations, but none has matched the scope, quality, and vision of development being delivered under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. He is remodeling Gombe in a way that gives us pride among the comity of states,” he stated.
Alhaji Maudo cited the ongoing development of the Three-Arms Zone, which comprises a brand-new State Secretariat, State House of Assembly Complex, and a High Court Complex, as an example of the Governor’s foresight and strategic planning. He noted that aside from the Federal Capital Territory, no other state in Northern Nigeria is undertaking such an integrated governance complex.
He also highlighted the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, a flagship initiative of the administration designed to host over 500 companies – ranging from large-scale manufacturers to small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) – expected to generate thousands of jobs.
He praised the recent commissioning of Premium Seed Company within the park by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that it would boost seed production and supply across Northern Nigeria.
“Even fellow governors admire and emulate His Excellency’s leadership. As Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, he is setting the pace in governance and development,” Maudo added.
The GOSUPDA Chairman further commended the Governor for flagging off the Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone, a groundbreaking initiative that combines four strategic projects: an Ultramodern Abattoir, an International Livestock Market, an International Grains Market, and an Inland Dry Port – a first of its kind in Nigeria.
Alh. Bappayo also praised how the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, had described the initiative as “the first of its kind since independence,” adding that the projects will not only support the livestock sector but also provide affordable logistics and market access for agricultural producers.
The GOSUPDA Chairman revealed that all government contractors handling construction projects are complying with the state’s building regulations by submitting architectural plans and securing the necessary approvals.
“These contractors are also paying the appropriate planning dues. This year alone, GOSUPDA has improved its internally generated revenue by over 20%, and we are confident of surpassing this achievement next year,” he said.
On synergy between GOSUPDA and other agencies, the Executive Chairman expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for supporting GOSUPDA’s enforcement efforts, especially in the arrest of individuals violating urban planning laws and right-of-way regulations.
He also addressed concerns raised by the public regarding the activities of Shisha lounges, noting that the Task Force will be reviewing complaints on their operation. He hinted that measures similar to the closure of Gala houses may be applied to Shisha outlets if found guilty of harbouring illicit activities.
“Our mandate from His Excellency is clear – no activity that undermines our values, religion, or cultural integrity will be tolerated. We recently apprehended an 11-year-old girl in an illegal hotel operation and sealed a facility in Tumfure for engaging in the unauthorized sale of dog and pig meat,” he stated.
Alhaji Bappayo Maudo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing development control regulations and promoting ethical standards in urban planning and public conduct. He praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for providing the political will, visionary leadership, and enabling environment that continue to attract national acclaim and investor confidence to Gombe State.