The Africa Development Bank ( AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Gombe state government’s development initiatives, particularly the Special Agro Processing Zone (SAPZ) and the Inclusive Service delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Project (ISDLEIP).
The Director General of the AfDB, Nigeria Country Department, Lamin Barrow made this commitment when he received Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the AfDB office in Abuja at the weekend.
ISDLEIP is aimed at increasing access to basic services such as water, sanitation, hygiene, health, and education, as well as improving livelihoods and strengthening food security.
Regarding the SAPZ, Barrow noted the state’s potential to transform its agriculture sector into a lucrative business enterprise, catering to both local and international markets.
“The programme is designed to enhance complementarity with existing or completed projects financed by the AfDB including those in the power, transport, water and agriculture sectors,” he said.
With its three dams, strategic location, and peaceful environment, Barrow expressed confidence in the state’s potential for economic prosperity under Governor Yahaya.
Speaking earlier, the Governor stressed the importance of collaboration between government and institutions like AfDB in the drive for agricultural transformation.
The Governor outlined his administration’s efforts in creating a sustainable economic landscape, including the establishment of a 1000-hectare industrial park, with the 400 Buhari Industrial Park already developed with necessary infrastructure.
“As at today, what remains is only for us to fix our substation to the main transmission unit of the hydro power plant and during the last investment summit we held in October 2022, we were able to sign MoU with six companies two of them have already started a rice mill and a tomato processing mills.”
The Governor further elaborated on Gombe State’s development Agenda (DEVAGOM), in line with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on infrastructure, environmental remediation, security, and education.
