Setting the Record Straight: Damaturu Flyover Is a Yobe State Government Project

By Ahmed Isah

Recent claims circulating in some quarters that the Damaturu Flyover was constructed by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are incorrect and do not reflect the verifiable facts surrounding the project.

The Damaturu Flyover, one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of Yobe State, was conceived, awarded, funded and supervised by the Yobe State Government under the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

The project is located at the strategic intersection of the Kano–Maiduguri Highway and the Damaturu–Bayamari–Biu Road. This junction, popularly known as the “Cross”, was originally constructed in 1973 to serve the traffic volume of that era. As Damaturu expanded into a modern state capital, the intersection became increasingly congested, resulting in frequent road crashes, long traffic delays and perennial flooding.

For over five decades, no administration upgraded the junction despite its strategic importance. In 2025, the Yobe State Government approved the construction of the flyover and underpass as part of the implementation of the Damaturu Urban Renewal Programme and the 25-Year Damaturu City Master Plan. The contract, valued at N22.3 billion, was awarded by the Yobe State Government to Triacta Nigeria Limited, with the state committing to fully finance the project.

Before construction commenced, the Yobe State Government carried out enumeration and compensation of affected property owners and businesses to pave the way for the project. Residents who witnessed the entire process say there is no ambiguity about the ownership of the project.

Alhaji Musa Ibrahim, whose property was affected during the road expansion, recalled that officials of the state government undertook valuation and paid compensation before work began.

“I received compensation before construction started. Government officials came for enumeration and payment. We all know this is a Yobe State Government project because we witnessed every stage from planning to execution,” he said.

Similarly, Hajiya Amina Goni, a trader relocated during the expansion, said the process was transparent.

“The government explained why the expansion was necessary and compensated us accordingly. Nobody in this neighbourhood is confused about who initiated and funded the project,” she said.

Commercial motorists, who use the junction daily, also dismissed the misinformation.

Bashir Adamu, a commercial driver in Damaturu, said the project has transformed traffic movement in the city.

“We drove through this junction for many years before construction started. We watched the state government award the contract and supervise the work. The improvement is visible to everyone.”

Long-distance truck driver Mohammed Yusuf, who frequently travels between Kano and Maiduguri, described the flyover as one of the most significant interventions on the route.

“This junction used to be a major bottleneck for heavy-duty vehicles. Today, traffic moves more smoothly. We appreciate the Yobe State Government for investing in this project.”

Tricycle operator Ali Buba added that public infrastructure should always be credited to the institution that delivered it.

“Everybody in Damaturu knows how this project started. The state government compensated affected residents, mobilised the contractor and supervised the work. The facts are there for anyone who cares to verify.”

The Damaturu Flyover is not an isolated project. It forms part of a comprehensive urban renewal programme initiated and funded by the Yobe State Government to modernise the state capital and stimulate economic growth.

Other major projects under the programme include the completion of the Damaturu Modern Markets; the construction of an ultra-modern motor park with passenger hostels, shopping complex, clinic, police post, fire service station, banking facilities and mechanic village; the expansion of approximately 6.6 kilometres of the main Damaturu road corridor from the 5:30 Petrol Station to the 27th August Stadium.

Others include the construction of nine modern and ultra-modern markets across Damaturu, Potiskum, Gashua, Nguru, Geidam, Machina, Yunusari, Ngalda and Buni Yadi; extensive township roads and drainage projects; and hundreds of kilometres of roads linking communities across the state.

These projects have been documented by independent national newspapers and official state budget records.

Indeed, the Yobe State Government’s 2024 Citizens Budget identified the construction of the Central Flyover as one of its flagship capital projects alongside investments in roads, drainages, modern markets, shopping malls and other strategic infrastructure.

Public discourse should always be guided by verifiable facts. Recognising the correct ownership of public projects is not about politics; it is about preserving the integrity of public records and ensuring that credit is accurately given to the institution responsible for conceiving, funding and executing them.

On the available evidence, the Damaturu Flyover is unequivocally a Yobe State Government project. It was conceived by the state government, funded from state resources, executed under the supervision of the Yobe State Government and forms part of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s broader urban renewal agenda aimed at transforming Damaturu into a modern, safer and more economically vibrant state capital.