The Federal Government has intensified efforts to accelerate post conflict recovery and economic growth in the North-East with the award of contracts for two major bridge projects and the commissioning of key social infrastructure in Taraba State.
Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, disclosed this during an inspection and commissioning tour of federal projects in Jalingo and other parts of the state, according to a statement on Sunday by the Head of Information and Public Relations Mr. sanni Datti.
The bridge projects the reconstruction of the Namnai Bridge and the construction of the Bantaje Bridge are being funded by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and are expected to improve connectivity and ease the movement of people and goods across the state.
During an inspection of the Namnai Bridge along Wukari Road, the minister described the project as critical to reopening economic corridors linking farming communities to markets.
The nine span, 180-metre bridge, including a two kilometre approach road, commenced construction last month. He also inspected the proposed site for the Bantaje Bridge.
Ahmadu said beyond road infrastructure, the Federal Government was prioritising health, education and human capital development in the state.
In Jalingo, he commissioned the Institute of Entrepreneurship Building at Taraba State University, alongside a Virology Laboratory and an MRI Block at the Federal Medical Centre.
In Zing, the minister commissioned a renovated and fully equipped 60-bed ward at the General Hospital and handed it over to the Taraba State Government, in addition to three newly built two-bedroom staff quarters.
He said the facilities would strengthen healthcare delivery and improve working conditions for medical personnel.
The inspection tour also covered projects in Donga and Wukari Local Government Areas, including the Mega School at Kwararafa University, the ICT Centre at the Federal University Wukari, and NEDC mass housing units.
Governor Agbu Kefas welcomed the interventions, describing them as timely and impactful.
He assured the Federal Government of the state’s continued cooperation to ensure effective utilisation and sustainability of the projects.
