The Emir of Yamaltu in Gombe State, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government over the dangerously deteriorated state of the Yamaltu–Biu Road. The traditional ruler expressed deep concern that the road, which serves as a crucial link between Gombe and Borno states, has been ravaged by erosion and is now a major threat to the economic survival of residents.
A Road of Broken Promises and Strategic Neglect
In a recent interview with journalists, Emir Abubakar Aliyu revealed a history of unfulfilled commitments regarding the vital artery. He disclosed that the road construction was first awarded during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The project was later re-awarded under the tenure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Despite these approvals, actual construction work has never commenced, leaving the road to fall into further disrepair.
The Emir lamented that this prolonged neglect has forced residents, traders, and daily commuters to endure constant hardship. Frequent vehicle breakdowns and severely limited access, especially during the rainy season, have become the norm. "The prolonged neglect of this road is negatively affecting lives and livelihoods. Erosion during rains renders the route nearly impassable for motorists," Aliyu stated, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action.
Economic Lifeline at Risk: Farming and Food Security Impacts
The significance of the Yamaltu-Biu Road extends far beyond mere transportation. Emir Aliyu explained that it serves densely populated communities whose primary occupation is agriculture. These communities are heavily engaged in:
- Rain-fed and irrigation farming
- Vegetable cultivation
- Livestock rearing
Produce from these areas supplies markets across Nigeria and contributes substantially to the nation's food security. The monarch argued that rehabilitating the road would directly reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate economic activities in both Gombe and Borno states, given the region's massive agricultural output.
An Urgent Call to Federal Government and NEDC
Drawing a parallel to other critical but neglected routes in the region, the Emir issued a direct plea for intervention. He called on the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to act swiftly to avert a full-blown crisis. "We are calling on the Federal Government and the NEDC to act swiftly. Like the Bauchi–Gombe Road, this route is vital to the North-East sub-region," he said.
Aliyu warned that the current poor state poses serious risks to lives and property, demanding urgent attention before the situation worsens. Despite his strong concerns over the Yamaltu-Biu Road, the traditional ruler took a moment to commend both the Federal Government and the Gombe State Government for their broader ongoing efforts in infrastructure revitalisation and bridging development gaps across the state and country.
