Gov. Inuwa Yahaya leads urgent Gombe erosion control projects to address erosion damage, protect citizens, and deliver lasting infrastructure solutions.
The Gombe State Government has stepped up its efforts to address the growing threats of flooding and erosion through large-scale Gombe erosion control projects.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has directed key agencies to carry out urgent assessments of flood-hit areas, recommending both emergency action and permanent solutions to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Responding immediately to the Governor’s order, the Commissioner for Works and Transport deployed Permanent Secretary Danladi Adamu to lead a multi-agency team.
The delegation included experts from the Ministries of Works, Housing and Transport, Water Resources, Forest and Environment, the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA), as well as Triacta Nigeria Ltd.
Their task was clear: conduct on-the-spot inspections, determine the extent of the damage, and propose sustainable measures under the ongoing Gombe erosion control projects.
The team inspected nine major locations across the state, including: Orji Quarters road cut-off near Yahuza Suya Spot, Shehu Abubakar District by the High Court site, Gadan Dahiru Deba in Pantami, Jekadafari near Gambo Isari’s residence, Madaki. Kundulum, Tumfure, and other erosion-prone neighborhoods in Gombe metropolis.
These areas witnessed collapsed roads, blocked drainages, and damaged bridges, leaving residents stranded and increasing the risk of further property loss.
Speaking during the exercise, Permanent Secretary Adamu explained that the inspection was part of Governor Yahaya’s long-standing policy of swift disaster response.
“As a leader who always puts his people first, the Governor directed us to inspect the damage immediately.
“We have assessed nine sites and will submit our recommendations, giving priority to urgent repairs while also proposing long-term strategies,” he said.
He reassured residents that government efforts would not stop at temporary fixes but would focus on sustainable solutions to ensure safety and convenience.
Adamu urged residents to cooperate with the government by protecting public infrastructure.
He cautioned against dumping refuse into drainages or erecting buildings along waterways, noting that such practices worsen flooding and undermine the benefits of Gombe erosion control projects.
For many residents, the floods were more than just an inconvenience—they were life-altering.
Mr. Sam Uso, a resident of Orji Quarters whose home was cut off after a bridge collapsed, described the hardship:
“We could not move in or out for days. Businesses were affected, children missed school, and our daily lives came to a halt. The fact that government officials came quickly shows that they care, and we are hopeful for a permanent solution.”
Similar stories echoed across the affected communities, where families faced economic losses, restricted access, and anxiety over recurring floods.
Triacta Nigeria Ltd, represented by Engineer Imran Khan, explained the technical difficulties of addressing erosion in a rapidly urbanizing city.
“Untraceable waterways and the sheer volume of runoff water pose serious challenges. Rapid development without adequate drainage planning has worsened the problem.
“Our company will work with GOSUPDA to reopen blocked channels and design stronger erosion-control systems,” he assured.
Officials highlighted that while some locations need urgent rehabilitation, others will be incorporated into broader gully erosion projects already underway.
This dual approach ensures that residents benefit from quick relief while also securing the long-term resilience of Gombe’s infrastructure.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has consistently invested in large-scale environmental and infrastructure projects. Notable among them are:
The 21-kilometer FCE(T)–Unguwa Uku Gully Erosion Project, which has reduced flood risks in that corridor.
A multi-billion-naira 18-kilometer mega gully erosion project, stretching from Abdullahi Ganduje Road to Doma, designed to shield eastern Gombe from erosion disasters.
These projects are part of a wider network of Gombe erosion control projects aimed at building resilience against the twin threats of flooding and erosion.
Flooding and erosion are more than environmental problems—they have social and economic consequences. They disrupt trade routes, damage farmland, increase health risks, and displace families.
By committing to Gombe erosion control projects, the government is protecting investments, boosting local economies, and securing the wellbeing of its citizens.
Experts also warn that climate change is likely to increase rainfall intensity, making erosion-control infrastructure even more critical in the coming years.
The state government is encouraging partnerships with civil society, donor agencies, and residents themselves to ensure the sustainability of these projects.
Stakeholder involvement will not only strengthen technical execution but also foster community ownership.
The recent inspection of erosion-prone sites reflects the Yahaya administration’s proactive commitment to protecting its people.
While immediate repairs are underway, the broader Gombe erosion control projects represent a lasting investment in safety, infrastructure, and economic security.
Through these efforts, Gombe is not just repairing damage—it is building resilience for the future.
