Governor Buni show cases his effective administration and resource management
As many Nigerian states struggle with basic governance amid dwindling federal allocations and economic challenges, Yobe State’s development approach under Governor Mai Mala Buni‘s leadership presents a compelling case study in effective public administration and resource management.
The launch of a N15.3 billion agricultural empowerment programme, benefiting 5,340 farmers across 178 wards, stands as the largest agricultural intervention in the state’s history. “Through our agricultural revitalization programme… we provided farm implements and inputs to farmers across the state,” Governor Buni states during his 2024 end-of-year press briefing.
This initiative gains particular significance when compared to the national context. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, a food inflation hit 31.5% in 2023, making Yobe’s N1.7 billion investment in strategic grain reserves a crucial buffer against food insecurity.
Health, they say, is wealth. Interestingly, Yobe’s healthcare achievements in 2024 are particularly noteworthy. The state’s victory in securing a $500,000 award in the primary healthcare leadership challenge for the North-East region validates its innovative approach. The 100% implementation of hazard allowances and adjustment of CONMESS and CONHESS salary scales addresses a critical challenge in Nigeria’s healthcare sector – medical brain drain. The Nigerian Medical Association reckons that no fewer than 5,600 doctors left Nigeria in 2023 alone, making Yobe’s recruitment of 311 new healthcare workers a significant counter-measure.
Infrastructure Strategy
The state’s infrastructural development matrix cannot go unnoticed. The administration’s infrastructural development strategy demonstrates a remarkable foresight on the part of the governor and his entire team. The ongoing construction of 25.5km Gashu’a – Masaba road, 30km Balanguwa-Kumaganam road, and numerous other similar projects in hundreds of kilometers represent one of the most ambitious road construction programmes in Northern Nigeria. These projects are particularly significant given that, according to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, only about 30% of Nigeria’s rural roads are in good condition.
Ask a lisping baby and they will quickly indicate that bad economy and poverty are one Siamese twin that must be separated, garroted and buried if people must fulfill their dreams here on earth, Nigeria in particular.
To this end, the state’s Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance programme, reaching 52,997 households with N3.9 billion in direct assistance, represents a data-driven and SMART approach to poverty alleviation. This intervention gains particular significance when viewed against World Bank data indicating that an additional 7.1 million Nigerians fell into extreme poverty in 2023 due to inflation and fuel subsidy removal.
In education, the distribution of 14,487 units of two-seater furniture, training of 2,530 teachers, and establishment of 90 new junior secondary schools demonstrates a comprehensive approach to educational development. “Students’ feeding gulped around N2 billion while approximately N2 billion was spent on tuition and examinations,” Governor Buni notes, highlighting the state’s commitment to education amid national challenges.
At this juncture, it will not be a bad idea to do a clarion call. Other state governors would do well to study Yobe’s approach to resource management and project prioritisation. This has become expedient since in an environment where many states struggle to meet basic obligations, Yobe’s ability to execute multiple large-scale projects simultaneously while maintaining regular salary payments demonstrates exceptional fiscal discipline. The state’s approach aligns with best practices in public financial management as recommended by the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme.
Can you even see the integrated development strategy, in all of these? Very well! The interconnected nature of Yobe’s development initiatives offers valuable lessons for other states. The combination of immediate poverty alleviation through cash transfers with long-term investments in agriculture, education, and infrastructure presents a balanced approach to sustainable development. This strategy addresses both immediate needs and long-term growth requirements, a balance that many Nigerian states struggle to achieve.
In specificity, Yobe’s emphasis on reaching all 178 wards in its agricultural programme and the systematic tracking of beneficiaries in its cash transfer programme demonstrates the importance of data-driven implementation and inclusive governance. Other states should note how this approach ensures equitable distribution of resources and measurable impact assessment.
Indeed, while many states cite limited resources as a barrier to development, Yobe’s ability to execute multiple large-scale projects suggests innovative approaches to prudent resource management. The state’s success in attracting development partner support, as evidenced by its healthcare award, indicates strong institutional capacity and transparency – qualities other states should emulate.
While all these encomiums have been poured on Buni’s administration, the reward for hard work remains more work. Should they relax on their oars? Even Governor Buni in his address, attested: “In 2025 and through the reminder of our term in office, we will not relent in our effort to make life more meaningful for the people.”
Given the administration’s track record, this commitment carries significant weight.
While Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration has demonstrated remarkable progress across multiple sectors in 2024, the path ahead demands even greater commitment and strategic innovation. As an African adage goes, “Yesterday’s success can become tomorrow’s failure without continuous improvement.”
Despite the impressive investment in the agriculture sector, Yobe State must focus on core sustainable agricultural practices which include developing value addition chains for agricultural products; creating sustainable agro-processing industries; establishing market linkages beyond state boundaries as well as implementing technology-driven farming techniques.
Agro-Processing is Key
The NBS report 2023, states that transition from pure agriculture to agro-processing typically see a 40% increase in rural income generation. This represents a critical next step for Yobe.
Again, one cannot over emphasize the need for a proper consolidation on healthcare system. While winning the $500,000 healthcare leadership challenge is commendable, key areas requiring attention include: Establishing preventive healthcare programmes as prevention has always been better than cure. The WHO’s 2024 report on healthcare in developing regions suggests that preventive healthcare programs can reduce medical costs by up to 30% while improving community health outcomes. Also, look into the area of developing tele-medicine infrastructure for remote areas; specialised medical training programmes plus strengthening primary healthcare research capabilities.
Beyond the establishment of 90 new junior secondary schools, priorities should include today’s trends in education such as implementing STEM-focused curricula; developing technical education programmes and establishing teacher retention programmes. CREDIBLE NEWS recalls that UNESCO’s 2024 Education Report indicates that states with strong technical education programmes see a 45% higher youth employment rate.
Importantly, we all know what happens with infrastructure and sustainability in Nigeria. While we pray that the administration’s efforts in this area are sustainable, the extensive road construction projects must be complemented with comprehensive maintenance protocols; community-based infrastructure monitoring systems; green infrastructure initiatives and even urban planning for future expansion. Why? Because “Infrastructure without maintenance is like building a house without a roof,” notes Dr. Ibrahim Hassan, infrastructure expert at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
As Professor Aliyu Mohammed of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies notes, “Government success is measured not just by achievements but by sustained progress over time.”
Yobe State must view its current achievements not as a finish line but as a foundation for greater development.
SPECIAL REPORT BY IFY NWABUEZE
Crediblenewsng.com
