The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has officially handed over project sites for the construction of two major road and bridge projects in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, marking a significant step toward restoring connectivity and boosting economic activities in the area.
The projects, which will serve several communities including Kara, Masaka, Jigawa, Mazaga, Bare-Bari, Bauya Lailai Ward, Bolewa A Ward, and Tandari, are designed to improve access to hard-to-reach areas and ease movement within Potiskum and its surrounding communities.
The first project involves the construction of a two-span 40-metre bridge with a 2.6-kilometre approach road linking Kara, Masaka, and Mazaga communities. The project will be executed by Dan Nene Construction, Transportation and Services Limited. The second project entails a three-span 40-metre bridge with a 0.5-kilometre access road along Tandari Road in Potiskum, to be handled by Eighteen Engineering Company (EEC) International Limited.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Potiskum, the NEDC Yobe State Coordinator, Professor Ali Ibrahim Abbas, explained that the projects are part of the Commission’s post-insurgency recovery programme under the leadership of its Managing Director/CEO, Mohammed G. Alkali. He noted that the interventions are aimed at complementing the development efforts of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration.
The Yobe State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Duddaye, who was represented by the Potiskum Area Engineer, expressed appreciation to the NEDC for its sustained, community-driven development initiatives. He noted that the completion of the roads and bridges would significantly improve access to remote communities within Potiskum.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Potiskum LGA, Hon. Salisu Muktari, represented by the Vice Chairman, commended the NEDC for its strong collaboration with the Yobe State Government. He stated that the Kara project, when completed, would ease movement across the town, particularly around areas such as the new site of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Fika Government Secondary School, and the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC).
He further explained that the Tandari–Lai Lai GRA project would connect the northern part of Potiskum with the GRA axis, reducing daily traffic pressure and providing easier access for farmers along Kukuri Road, while also serving as a convenient shortcut for residents.
The projects are also expected to provide alternative routes for travellers heading to Kano, Jos, and Hadejia, thereby reducing dependence on the town’s single major road. Overall, the interventions are aimed at enhancing connectivity, stimulating economic activities, improving security, and increasing access to essential services.
In his response, the Deputy Managing Director of EEC, Mr. Gao Kun, speaking on behalf of the contractors, assured stakeholders that the projects would be delivered to standard, with quality workmanship and within the agreed timelines.
It would be recalled that in 2025, the NEDC MD/CEO, Mohammed G. Alkali, alongside the Executive Director, Administration and Finance, Dr. Abubakar Garba Iliya, inspected critical infrastructure needs across Yobe State and pledged their execution. Since then, the Commission has commenced and continues to implement several major road projects across the state.
The initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development across the North East.
They further underscore the NEDC’s commitment to rebuilding resilient infrastructure that supports recovery, development, and long-term stability in insurgency-affected communities.
The Commission remains in constant engagement with Governor Mai Mala Buni on infrastructure and other developmental priorities, working toward sustainable growth, peace, and progress in Yobe State and the wider North East.
#NEDC: Winning Together
