Buni clocks six years, lists gains in security, economy, infrastructure
By Ahmed Isah
The Yobe Government on Wednesday outlined achievements recorded across key sectors in six years of Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s administration, citing improved security, economic reforms and expanded social services.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, stated this at a press briefing to commemorate the administration’s sixth anniversary, held at the SSG’s conference hall in Damaturu.
Wali said communities previously inaccessible due to insurgency in Gujba and Gulani Local Government Areas had been stabilised through collaboration with security agencies, vigilante groups and the Federal Government.
He said the government provided more than 250 patrol and specialised vehicles, over 500 motorcycles, long-range cameras and residential and office accommodation for security agencies.
According to him, landed assets were acquired for security headquarters, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Correctional Service and the Department of State Services.
Wali said over 300 security vehicles were repaired and retrofitted, while more than 2,000 vigilantes, hunters and hybrid forces were engaged and fully kitted.
On governance, he said reforms in payroll, procurement and fiscal management earned commendations from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the World Bank.
He said the state accessed grants totalling 10 million dollars for meeting transparency and accountability benchmarks under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability programme.
The SSG said 6,449 civil servants were employed, gratuities of N15.4 billion paid and 6,395 workers trained through about 35 capacity-building programmes.
In finance, he said salaries and pensions were paid promptly, while biometric verification was introduced for new employees before payroll enrolment.
Wali said audited financial statements prepared under International Public Sector Accounting Standards had been published, and the State Integrated Financial Management Information System was fully operational.
On infrastructure, he said more than 500 kilometres of roads were completed or under construction across the state, including the Damaturu–Kalallawa dual carriageway.
He added that a three-level flyover and underpass in Damaturu was at an advanced stage and expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
In housing, Wali said 2,350 housing units were constructed across the 17 local government areas and sold at discounted rates to civil servants and residents.
On education, he said six model schools, seven mega schools and several new secondary schools were established, while more than 4,000 teachers were recruited and 26,000 trained.
He said the state paid all WAEC, NECO and NABTEB examination fees for public secondary school students and expanded school feeding to boost enrolment.
In healthcare, Wali said 140 primary healthcare centres had been completed out of 178 wards, alongside deployment of 88 tricycle ambulances to remote areas.
He said over 300,000 residents were enrolled in the state’s contributory health insurance scheme, with drugs worth over N2.3 billion procured through the medical supplies agency.
The SSG said Yobe was recognised as the most improved state in immunisation coverage and emerged best at the National Primary Health Care competition in December 2025.
On energy and transport, he said the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport was completed, 20 buses procured for public transport and electricity extended to more than 200 locations.
In commerce and industry, Wali said key state-owned companies were reactivated, ultra-modern markets completed and four sesame seed processing factories established.
He said agriculture reforms following the 2019 summit boosted food security and farmer productivity, with the sector remaining the mainstay of the state’s economy.
Wali said the administration would sustain reforms and investments to consolidate gains and improve the welfare of Yobe residents.
