In recent weeks, social media discussions have been awash with rumours alleging that the ongoing flyover and underpass project in Damaturu has been deliberately slowed down by the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni. According to the circulating claims, the project is allegedly a political strategy designed to leave liabilities for the next administration while funds are diverted.
These allegations, however, collapse under the weight of facts. A careful look at the development pattern in Yobe State under Governor Buni shows a leader whose governance style has been defined by completion, delivery, and measurable impact. In public service, patterns do not lie, and the pattern of Governor Buni’s administration clearly contradicts the rumours being circulated.
The Damaturu flyover and underpass project itself is a landmark undertaking. The project, located at the Damaturu Main Roundabout, is the first flyover bridge ever constructed in Yobe State. Valued at over ₦22 billion, it is designed to ease congestion, improve movement of goods and services, and modernize the state capital in line with the 25-year Damaturu City Master Plan.
The project is part of a broader urban renewal initiative that includes the construction of 23.5 kilometres of new roads and 27 kilometres of concrete drainage systems across Damaturu metropolis, further demonstrating the administration’s long-term commitment to infrastructure development.
Far from being abandoned or neglected, the flyover project has continued under active supervision by the state government and engineers from the Ministry of Works to ensure quality and adherence to standards.
A track record of completed and ongoing projects
Governor Buni’s leadership since 2019 has been marked by the execution of numerous projects across Yobe State. These projects span roads, education, housing, agriculture, and urban renewal.
Major road projects across the state
Several strategic road projects have either been completed or are progressing steadily under the administration:
Damaturu – Buni Gari Road (77 km) linking communities in Gujba axis.
Nguru – Machina Road (48 km) improving connectivity to border communities.
Jakusko – Gashua Road (35 km) strengthening economic activities in Bade and Jakusko areas.
Fika – Gadaka – Mutai Road (67 km) enhancing rural agricultural access.
Potiskum – Danchuwa – Dogon Kuka Road connecting key farming communities.
Damaturu – Gambir Road, a critical agricultural access route for farmers transporting produce to the capital.
In addition to these, township road networks have been constructed or rehabilitated across major towns including:
Damaturu
Potiskum
Nguru
Gashua
Buni-Yadi
Geidam
Damagum
Babban Gida
These township road projects include drainage systems and solar street lighting to improve mobility and urban safety.
Overall, the administration has constructed or rehabilitated over 520 kilometres of roads across Yobe State, dramatically improving access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and farmlands.
Urban renewal and flood control in Damaturu
Governor Buni’s infrastructure drive in the capital city extends beyond the flyover project. Major flood control and drainage infrastructure has been constructed across areas including:
Nasarawa
Nayi-Nawa
Pompomari New Layout
Waziri Ibrahim Bypass
Sumsumma axis
Pilgrim area along Potiskum Road
Bridges and drainage channels in these locations were designed to permanently address flooding while supporting irrigation and dry-season farming.
Education infrastructure
The administration has also invested heavily in rebuilding schools damaged by years of insurgency. Newly constructed and rehabilitated schools include:
Doguwar Kuka Primary School – Nguru LGA
Kasugula Primary School – Nguru LGA
Central Primary School Babbangida – Tarmuwa LGA
Gasma Primary School – Karasuwa LGA
Nomadic Primary School Agirwa – Fune LGA
These projects were executed to expand access to quality education and provide safe learning environments for children across rural communities.
Markets, housing, and economic infrastructure
To strengthen commerce and economic growth, the Buni administration has undertaken the construction and modernization of several markets across the state, including:
Potiskum Modern Market – Potiskum LGA
Ngalda Modern Market – Fika LGA
Yunusari Modern Market – Yunusari LGA
Geidam Modern Market – Geidam LGA
The government has also implemented a housing programme that delivered over 2,500 housing units, including 1,200 housing units in the Damaturu Northern Bypass Estate to address accommodation needs in the growing capital city.
The reality: a leader focused on delivery
When the full picture is examined, the allegation that Governor Buni intends to abandon the Damaturu flyover project simply does not align with reality. The administration has already delivered hundreds of kilometres of roads, modern markets, schools, bridges, drainage systems, and housing estates across Yobe State.
Such a record does not belong to a government that begins projects merely to abandon them. It belongs to a government focused on legacy, continuity, and development.
The Damaturu flyover and underpass project stands today as another bold step in transforming Yobe State’s capital into a modern urban centre. With the level of attention, supervision, and investment already committed, it is clear that the project remains a priority for the Buni administration.
In governance, rumours may spread quickly, but evidence travels further. The evidence across Yobe State—from Damaturu to Nguru, from Potiskum to Gashua—continues to affirm that Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration is committed to completing the projects it has started and delivering lasting development for the people.
written by A. A. Mshelia a public affairs analyst from Abuja
