Taraba Governor Commended For Project Implementation

The Implementation Monitoring Committee of the National Economic and Development Council (NEC) has given the Taraba State government a positive assessment of its implementation of key development projects across critical sectors.

The chairman of the committee, Dr Maina Yaumi, who led the North East team to inspect strategic projects in Jalingo, was impressed with the levels of executed across the state.

Yaumi, the Borno State commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, described Governor Kefas’ infrastructure and agricultural interventions as impressive and capable of transforming the state’s economy.

The team lead said the council was satisfied with the progress made in executing projects initiated in line with NEC resolutions.

He explained that the nationwide assessment was designed to enable the National Economic Council to evaluate the implementation of resolutions adopted by the council and to monitor projects executed by state governments across critical sectors.

“Our mandate is to assess the implementation of NEC resolutions and report our findings to the council. National development is a shared responsibility of the federal and state governments, which is why these periodic monitoring exercises are necessary,” Yaumi said.

The committee inspected the state’s ultra-modern abattoir, Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, Modern Veterinary Hospital, Livestock Development Agency, Cocoa and Banana Demo Farm, Greenhouse project, and the ongoing construction of a military base for the newly approved 10 Division Headquarters in Jalingo by President Tinubu. Dr Yaumi disclosed that the ultra-modern abattoir had been substantially completed, with only the installation of equipment remaining before operations commence, and expressed confidence that the facility would improve livestock production, ensure hygienic meat processing, and lengthen the state’s agricultural value chain.

He praised the Agricultural Mechanisation Centre for its modern equipment, including tractors, combine harvesters and boom sprayers, describing the investment as a major step towards enhancing farming production in the state.

According to him, the committee was particularly impressed with activities at the Modern Veterinary Hospital, where laboratory personnel were actively conducting livestock disease surveillance and diagnostic services, despite the inspection taking place on a Sunday.

The NEC team further commended the ongoing construction of accommodation for military personnel, noting that the project would reinforce security and create an enabling environment for economic growth and sustainable development.

Also speaking, a Deputy Director of the National Economic and Development Authority, Bala Musa Giade, stressed the need for the sustainability of the projects.

He urged the state government to ensure that completed projects remain functional and deliver long-term benefits to residents.

He recalled that observations made during the committee’s visit had recorded noticeable improvements, with more progress expected before the next monitoring exercise.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs Sarah Ali, described the committee’s report as a morale booster for the state, saying it would encourage government officials to sustain the pace of development.

Mrs Ali said that Governor Kefas remained committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the projects and that the state government had approved the construction of boreholes to provide a reliable water supply for the greenhouse facility, one of the key challenges affecting its operation, she revealed.

The Permanent Secretary therefore expressed appreciation to the NEC for recognising the state’s commitment to development initiatives that improve the livelihoods of its people.