By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has officially handed over the 25km Damaturu–Buni–Mazga road reconstruction project to Grayland Multiple Investment Limited, marking the start of another significant infrastructure initiative in Yobe State.
The handover ceremony took place on Thursday and brought together important figures, including the Yobe State Commissioner for Works, the NEDC team, and representatives from the contracting firm.
During the event, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, the NEDC’s Yobe State Coordinator, highlighted that this project is part of the Federal Government’s post-recovery infrastructure efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He pointed out that the Commission, led by Mohammed Goni Alkali, has been collaborating closely with the six governors of the North East region to accelerate recovery and development, playing a pivotal role in the process.
“This project is a key part of NEDC’s ongoing mission to provide sustainable infrastructure throughout the North East. It builds on the Commission’s recent successes, such as the completed bridge that connects Damaturu and Gujba, which was damaged by last year’s flooding,” Prof. Abbas explained.
He also mentioned that similar infrastructure projects are underway in Kaliyari, Jumbam, Potiskum–Tandari, and around the Potiskum Old Prison area, with additional projects being evaluated in partnership with the Yobe State Ministry of Works.
The Coordinator emphasized that this road is a vital economic link connecting Damaturu to border communities, noting that it will boost agricultural trade, improve mobility, and enhance regional connectivity.
Musa Abubakar Usman, the Managing Director of Grayland Multiple Investment Limited, reassured the Commission and the Yobe State Government of their commitment to timely completion and high-quality work.
“We have successfully completed several projects both within and outside the state. So, we are confident that we can finish this project on schedule,” he stated.
In his part, the Yobe Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Engr. Umaru Wakil Duddaye praised the NEDC for its ongoing development efforts, said the road as the second most crucial in Yobe after the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway, thanks to its potential for agriculture and border trade.
He reminisced about other NEDC initiatives, like the Ngalda–Mutai road and the Dawasa borehole, which have significantly improved the lives of communities throughout the state.
