FG Backs Taraba Development Plan, Pledges Support for Agriculture, Tourism, Energy, Infrastructure

FG Backs Taraba Development Plan, Pledges Support for Agriculture, Tourism, Energy, Infrastructure

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Taraba State Government to unlock the state’s vast economic potential in agriculture, energy, tourism, infrastructure and mineral resources.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated this on Thursday in Jalingo during activities marking Taraba State’s 35th anniversary and the official unveiling of the Taraba Regional Development Master Plan.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, Idris described the Master Plan as an important blueprint for sustainable development, while commending Governor Agbu Kefas for adopting a long-term framework for the state’s growth.

He, however, stressed that the success of the plan would depend on effective and sustained implementation.

“The success of this Master Plan will not be measured by the ceremony at which it is unveiled, but by the roads built, businesses created, jobs generated, communities connected and lives improved,” the Minister said.

Idris described Taraba as one of Nigeria’s promising economic frontiers, citing its opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, livestock, hydropower, tourism, manufacturing and mineral development.

He commended the Kefas administration for its investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and economic development, particularly the policy of free and compulsory primary and secondary education.

According to him, the state government allocated more than ₦1.8 billion in 2026 for the registration of public-school students for NECO, BECE and NABTEB examinations.

The Minister also highlighted financing agreements worth approximately $268 million between Taraba State and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development for an integrated industrial park, 10,000 hectares of irrigated rice production and processing, and a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Jalingo.

He said such investments were essential to transforming Taraba’s natural resources into productive industries, value addition, employment and sustainable economic growth.

FG Highlights Infrastructure Projects

Idris said the Federal Government was complementing the state’s development efforts through major road infrastructure projects, including the Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang (Lip) Road, Bali–Serti–Gashaka–Gembu Road, interventions along the Jalingo–Mutum Biyu–Tella–Wukari corridor, as well as work on the Mayo Selbe–Gembu, Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede and Jalingo–Numan roads.

“These are more than roads. They are investments in connectivity, trade, tourism, agriculture, security and the movement of people and goods,” he said.

The Minister further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing Taraba’s agricultural, energy and mineral resources, including the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.

Security and Economic Reforms

On security, Idris said ongoing reforms towards the establishment of State Police were aimed at bringing policing closer to communities while maintaining professionalism, accountability and safeguards against abuse.

He noted that such an arrangement could particularly benefit Taraba, given its vast geographical terrain and dispersed border communities.

The Minister also cited the establishment of the Nigerian Army’s 10 Division, headquartered in Jalingo with operational responsibility for Taraba and Adamawa states, as part of efforts to strengthen security in the region.

“Security and development must go together. People cannot invest, farmers cannot move their produce, tourists cannot visit and businesses cannot grow where communities feel unsafe,” Idris said.

He also said Federal Government reforms had strengthened the resources available to the three tiers of government, noting that the removal of petrol subsidy generated ₦15.8 trillion in additional resources for the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025.

Of the amount, he said approximately ₦5.4 trillion accrued to the Federal Government, while ₦10.4 trillion went to states and local governments, providing additional resources for development.

Idris maintained that the Federal Government would not return to the previous subsidy regime, but would instead focus on consolidating reforms, protecting vulnerable Nigerians and ensuring that public resources translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

Kefas: Taraba’s Development Must Outlive Governments

Governor Agbu Kefas called for continuity in governance, acknowledging the contributions of former military administrators and elected governors to the development of the state.

He said his administration would build on previous achievements, correct shortcomings, complete worthwhile projects and create new opportunities for future generations.

“Government must be a continuum. Development must be cumulative. Taraba is bigger than any government, any administration, any political party, any ethnic group, or any individual,” Kefas said.

He urged former leaders to continue contributing their experience and institutional knowledge to the peace, unity and prosperity of Taraba State.

The Minister also pledged stronger collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Taraba State Ministry of Information and Re-Orientation to ensure that the objectives of the Master Plan are effectively communicated and embraced by citizens.

Idris congratulated the government and people of Taraba on the state’s 35th anniversary, describing the occasion as both a celebration of its history and a renewed commitment to building a more prosperous future.

“Thirty-five years of history. A new blueprint for the future. And a renewed commitment to building the Taraba we want and the Nigeria we deserve.”

FG Backs Taraba Development Plan, Pledges Support for Agriculture, Tourism, Energy, Infrastructure