The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has formally handed over three major bridges, an ultra-modern cattle market, schools and health facilities to the Bauchi State Government, strengthening infrastructure across Alkaleri and Kirfi Local Government Areas.
The projects were officially transferred on Friday by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, lawmakers and key stakeholders.
The newly completed bridges are located along the strategic Bauchi–Gombe Road at Bara, Kalajanga and Tashan Turmi. They include the Kalajanga Bridge with three spans of 15 metres, the Bara Bridge comprising five spans of 20 metres, and the Tashan Turmi Bridge with 15 spans of 20 metres.
The Bauchi–Gombe highway had previously suffered repeated disruptions due to severe erosion, cutting off communities and affecting economic activities. According to the NEDC, the bridges were constructed to permanently address the problem and improve regional connectivity and trade.
Maigari led a high-powered delegation that included the Chairman and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NEDC, Mohammad Goni Alkali, directors of the commission, lawmakers and other top officials.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the minister described the projects as critical to not only Bauchi State but also neighbouring states and cross-border trade routes, given the economic importance of the Bauchi–Gombe corridor.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining collaboration with the National Assembly to ensure funding for key infrastructure projects.
“This synergy has produced infrastructure that connects communities and drives development,” Maigari said.
While handing over Government Secondary School, Yelwan Duguri, Maigari explained that the project was executed under the federal government’s Brick-to-Bed Project, which delivers fully equipped educational complexes.
The school features an administrative block with five offices, 12 classrooms, five additional blocks of three classrooms, a library with 130-student capacity, an ICT centre for 50 students, a clinic and four two-bedroom staff quarters.
The NEDC also assured that a 250-bed student hostel, technical workshops, dining hall, perimeter fencing and gatehouse would be added.
On the ultra-modern cattle market in Alkaleri, Maigari said the facility would boost livestock trade, generate revenue and improve animal management across the state.
NEDC Managing Director Mohammad Alkali revealed that the cattle market includes 47 shops, a veterinary clinic, mosque, offices, perimeter fencing and gatehouse, designed to enhance commercial activities.
Receiving the projects on behalf of the Bauchi State Government, Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy Auwal Jatau, commended the NEDC for its impactful interventions and consistent partnership.
He described education as the most productive investment for sustainable development and praised the commission for strengthening the state’s infrastructure base.
Other projects handed over include an 18-bed Primary Health Care Centre in Yashi, another health facility in Kirfi LGA, and rehabilated classrooms, examination halls, perimeter fencing and additional classrooms at Government Day Secondary School, Mainamaji.
