FG selects Gombe for building materials manufacturing hub in North-East

Gombe State has been chosen by the Federal Government as the host for a new building materials manufacturing hub for the North-East.

The state will also benefit from a comprehensive slum upgrade and urban renewal programme aimed at enhancing infrastructure and improving living conditions of the people.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, made this announcement during a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House in Gombe.

Dangiwa, accompanied by members of the National Assembly and other officials from his ministry, made this visit on the sidelines of the 13th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development currently taking place in Gombe.

Highlighting the importance of the new initiatives, Dangiwa explained that the building materials Manufacturing Hub is designed to boost local production, lower the cost of construction, and support the provision of affordable housing in Gombe State and the Northeast as a whole.

“We are pleased to inform you of the selection of Gombe as the location for the Building Materials Manufacturing Hub in the Northeast. This decision was influenced by the state’s remarkable progress under your exemplary leadership,” said the Minister.

In addition to the manufacturing hub, the Minister announced that Gombe is among the pilot states selected for the ‘Renewed Hope Housing Estate’ initiative, with 250 housing units currently under construction.

“We are confident that this project will be ready for commissioning by December,” Dangiwa added, emphasising the Federal Government’s focus on affordable housing and sustainable urban development.

The Minister praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his leadership, describing him as “a formidable leader who has positioned Gombe as a model state.”

The Minister further noted, “Gombe has always been progressing. The state has earned its position as a model among its peers due to the Governor’s commitment and zeal for development.”

He expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support to the Ministry’s initiatives, which has contributed to the successes achieved in Gombe State, “His Excellency has been a key supporter of our programmes. He has been at the forefront of keying into federal government initiatives that will benefit his people,” he stated.

In his response, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for selecting Gombe State for these impactful projects.

He noted that these initiatives are in line with his administration’s ambitious development agenda, which includes urban renewal, economic diversification, and infrastructure expansion.

“Our administration is fully committed to making Gombe a hub of economic and industrial activity in the Northeast. We have laid the groundwork with projects like the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, recent MoU with a Chinese firm to develop a 100MW solar power plant, and leveraging the existing Dadin Kowa hydroelectric power plant,” Governor Inuwa stated.

Speaking further on urban planning, Governor Inuwa Yahaya explained the efforts of the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS) and the Gombe State Urban Planning Development Authority (GOSUPDA), emphasizing that these agencies have been empowered to streamline land management, enforce urban development regulations, and advance spatial planning.

“Given Nigeria’s projected population growth, we are taking steps to prepare for future urban expansion. Our focus is on ensuring that every citizen has access to safe, climate-resilient, and affordable housing. We are committed to sustainable urban development that meets global environmental standards,” the Governor added.

Joining the Governor to receive the Minister and members of his entourage were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Chief of Staff, Alh. Abubakar Inuwa Kari, the Head of Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, Honorable Commissioners and other government functionaries.

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