The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced the construction of 12 strategic bridges across Yobe State as part of efforts to improve transportation, restore critical infrastructure and mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding.
The NEDC Coordinator in Yobe, Prof. Ali Abbas, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection of the ongoing construction of a twin-span, 30-metre bridge at Jumbam.
Abbas said four of the bridges had already been completed, while work was progressing steadily on the remaining eight projects spread across different parts of the state.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the Jumbam bridge, revealing that the project had reached about 90 per cent completion.
According to him, the contractor handling the project, Greyland Multiple Investment Ltd., has assured the commission that the bridge will be completed and ready for use within the next four weeks.
The coordinator described the bridge as a critical infrastructure project that would significantly improve movement between Damaturu and several local government areas, including Tarmuwa, Bursari, Yunusari, Geidam, Bade, Nguru, Karasuwa and Machina.
Abbas explained that the intervention was initiated by the Managing Director of the NEDC, Mr. Mohammed Alkali, following a request by Governor Mai Mala Buni after severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall washed away the existing road, disrupting transportation in the area.
While commending the progress recorded at Jumbam, Abbas expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the single-span, 20-metre bridge at Kaliyari. He urged the contractor to expedite construction to ensure completion before the peak of the rainy season.
Speaking during the inspection, Greyland Multiple Investment Ltd.’s engineer, Mr. Ngita Iliya, assured the commission that the project was being executed in full compliance with contractual specifications and engineering standards.
He said all construction materials required to complete the bridge had already been delivered to the site, expressing confidence that the project would be delivered within three to four weeks.
A community leader, Alhaji Ma’aji, commended the NEDC for the intervention, noting that the bridge would permanently address the recurring challenge of seasonal flooding, improve access to neighbouring communities and enhance socio-economic activities in the area.
The bridge projects form part of the commission’s broader mandate to rebuild and strengthen critical infrastructure across Nigeria’s North-East region, particularly in communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
