The Gombe State Government has approved N2.1 billion for the purchase of 26 operational and security vehicles to serve 13 newly created Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), officials said following the State Executive Council’s 51st meeting for the year.
Gombe State security vehicles to bolster local operations
Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development Muhammad Gambo Magaji said the vehicles are intended to enhance security and operational capacity as the new Development Area Councils prepare to begin work in January 2026. The allocation was among several approvals given at the final council sitting of the year.
At a press briefing coordinated by the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Hon. Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, ministers presented memos from the ministries of Education, Works, Housing and Transport, and Finance and Economic Development, all of which received approval.
Compensation and infrastructure commitments
The council approved N321 million for compensation to property owners affected by construction of an underpass and other road works within the Special Development Zone. Magaji addressed reports about compensation linked to the Jauro Abare site, where the state is building an international livestock and grains market under Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration.
He explained that an initial figure of N129 million had been set aside for affected landowners, but following public concerns Governor Yahaya authorised an additional compassionate payment of N140.8 million to increase the total payout.
Education funding to support nearly 24,000 students
Education Commissioner Aishatu Umar Maigari said the council approved N661,557,121 to pay Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for 23,873 students across the state. The beneficiaries were selected after a mock examination involving 26,857 candidates, where 88 per cent scored 50 per cent or higher and therefore qualified for government-sponsored examination support.
The breakdown shows 21,909 students will sit for WAEC, 1,431 for NABTEB and 297 for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NBAIS). The list also includes 183 non-indigene students on exchange programmes and 53 students with special needs, signifying an inclusive approach to the intervention.
Commissioner Maigari said the payment will be jointly funded by the State Government and the 11 Local Governments on a 60/40 cost-sharing basis. She framed the move as part of Governor Yahaya’s strategy to remove financial barriers to education, improve academic outcomes and position Gombe as a centre of learning in the North-East.
Context and next steps
The combined approvals signal a dual focus on strengthening local security infrastructure and supporting households with school-related costs, while also addressing grievances tied to infrastructure projects. As the LCDAs begin operations next month, the deployment of vehicles and the release of funds for compensation and student fees will be regarded as early tests of the new council arrangements and of the administration’s delivery on public commitments.
Officials said implementation timelines and procurement details will be announced in due course, and that oversight mechanisms will be used to ensure funds are directed to intended beneficiaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Gombe State approves N2.1 billion to purchase 26 vehicles for 13 newly created LCDAs to strengthen local security.
- Government increases compensation for affected property owners to N321 million for underpass and Special Development Zone projects.
- State allocates N661,557,121 to cover SSCE fees for 23,873 students; funding to be shared 60/40 between state and local governments.
- The measures, announced ahead of the LCDAs commencing operations in January 2026, reflect a combined focus on security, infrastructure and inclusive education.
