Gombe Govt Hands Over Site for ₦52bn Agro-Livestock Development Zone

The Gombe State Government has formally handed over a 184-hectare project site to contractors for the construction of a modern Agro-Livestock Development Zone valued at about ₦52 billion.

The site handover ceremony took place along Bajoga Road in Gombe, opposite the Gombe Cemetery. The project is expected to transform agricultural and livestock production in Gombe State.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transportation, Usman Maijama’a Kallamu, said the project followed the approval of the State Executive Council chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Danladi Adamu, the commissioner explained that the project was divided into three major lots to ensure specialized execution by different contractors.

According to him, Lot A1 involves the construction of a Grains Market and general fencing, awarded to Madugu Constructions Company Limited. Lot A2 covers the construction of a Timber Market and general services, awarded to Lubel Nigeria Limited, while Lot A3, which includes external mechanical and electrical works, was awarded to Niglemech Nigeria Limited.

The lead consultant for the project is Globach Associates Limited.

The commissioner disclosed that the contractors have been given a completion timeline of 56 weeks, stressing that the government will strictly monitor the work to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Barnabas Musa Malle, urged the contractors to adhere strictly to the technical specifications and quality standards outlined in the project agreement.

He described the initiative as a landmark project that would stand as one of the major legacies of the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Providing further technical insight, the State Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, Usman Bello Abubakar, explained that the livestock component would occupy a significant portion of the development zone.

He revealed that the livestock section will include an ultra-modern abattoir, an international livestock market, a livestock fattening hub, a poultry production unit, as well as a tannery and leather processing factory.

Professor Abubakar added that the project was designed to meet international standards, noting that it would stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities for youths, and contribute to poverty reduction in the state.

Representatives of the contracting firms, including Darwich Zeini of Lubel Nigeria Limited, Folade Kayode of Niglemech Nigeria Limited, and Sulaiman Sanusi of Madugu Constructions, commended the state government for the opportunity and pledged to deliver quality work within the agreed timeframe.

Meanwhile, the consulting architect, Kabir Zakari of Globach Associates Limited, assured that the consulting team would ensure strict supervision and compliance with engineering and architectural standards throughout the project.

When completed, the Agro-Livestock Development Zone is expected to integrate facilities such as a grains market, livestock market, abattoir, poultry production unit, timber market, and an inland dry port, positioning Gombe State as a major hub for agricultural and livestock trade in Nigeria.