From HASSAN JIRGI, Damaturu
Yobe State Executive Council has approved a new policy requiring all public officers to be trained on public finance law and approved over N6 billion for
healthcare, roads infrastructure and commerce.
Chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the council made it mandatory for all newly appointed officials to receive copies of the Public Finance Management Law and its implementation manual upon assuming duty.
According to the Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Abatcha, the law, signed in 2020, has not been widely circulated.
“It is not enough to hold office and spend public funds without informing citizens how those funds are utilised,” Abatcha stated.
According to the Commissioner for Works, Engr Umaru Duddaye, the projects include the 4.7-kilometre extension of Potiskum Township Road, linking Baswa Junction to Unguwan Fulani.
This project includes constructing a large culvert over a river that frequently floods and disrupts movement during the rainy season.
The second project is the expansion of Potiskum Trailer Park, which will double the present capacity from 3,000 to 6,000 to accommodate more vehicles and improve traffic flow, as well as additional access route.
Under commerce, 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 Ngalda Modern Market with drainage systems, a retaining wall and land reclamation.
The council also approved two major infrastructural projects in Potiskum worth N2.6 billion.
In a bid to boost healthcare, the council ratified anticipatory approvals totalling N2.1 billion for hospital upgrade and the procurement of medical equipment.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Gana announced that N1.7 billion was approved for civil works at the Specialist Hospitals in Buni Yadi and Damaturu, as well as upgrade the operation theatres and maternity centres of the General Hospital in Nangere to meet regulatory standards.
He said N473 million was approved for the procurement of modern medical equipment, including radio-diagnostic tools, for hospitals across the state.
