By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government on Nigeria’s victory in the international arbitration concerning the proposed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
Kefas welcomed the removal of what he described as a major legal obstacle and expressed the state’s readiness to work with the Federal Government to move the project forward responsibly, with proper protection for host communities and the environment.
The governor, however, said Taraba would not place its entire energy future on one large federal project. He directed the Taraba State Electricity Commission and other relevant institutions to identify suitable sites and prepare credible investment opportunities for small and medium-scale hydropower, solar energy and other forms of electricity generation.
On the collapsed Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari Federal Highway, Kefas acknowledged the hardship, economic disruption and loss of lives caused by the incident.
He thanked President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the North-East Development Commission for awarding and commencing the reconstruction of the bridge, but said the pace of work had not matched the urgency of the situation or the expectations of the people.
The governor directed the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, in collaboration with the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, to immediately engage the NEDC, Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the contractor.
He directed the officials to submit, within seven days, a verified report on the project’s status, challenges affecting construction and a realistic timetable for sustained work and completion. He said the outcome would be communicated to the public.
Kefas said the state government would also continue to strengthen flood control, drainage, erosion management, early-warning systems and emergency preparedness across Taraba.
“The people do not need another speech about Namnai Bridge. They need a safe and completed bridge,” he said.
The governor also announced that the Taraba State 168-Ward Quick Impact Development Programme would be unveiled before the end of October 2026.
“Each ward will receive a small but visible project selected according to genuine local need,” he said.
According to him, communities would help identify their priorities, while the success of the programme would be measured by completed projects and benefits delivered, rather than announcements.
Kefas also announced the Taraba Teachers’ Welfare, Professionalisation and Housing Programme, which is scheduled to begin in 2027.
He said a time-bound implementation committee would consult teachers and their unions, review welfare and professional standards, examine sustainable salary improvements and develop a realistic housing programme, with particular attention to rural and underserved communities.
The governor said the state would also develop strategic measures from 2027 to harness its rivers, lakes, dams and wetlands for fisheries, food security, processing, employment and community livelihoods.
Kefas announced N2.5 billion in approved funding for vulnerable households, young people and crisis-affected communities.
The package comprises N500 million for TARABA CARES, a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme running from October 2026 to March 2027; an additional N1 billion for the Taraba State Youth Development Agency; and N1 billion for relief and recovery in Karim Lamido and other crisis-affected parts of the state.
Kefas said he first announced TARABA CARES during celebrations marking Taraba State’s 35th anniversary in August.
He said the programme would prioritise households facing severe hardship, including widows with dependants, older persons without reliable income, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable families.
The governor directed the responsible agencies to publish details of the assistance available, eligibility requirements and registration process. He said selection must be based on verified need, rather than political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or personal connections, with a clear complaints channel provided.
He also directed the Taraba State Youth Development Agency to publish its programme, selection criteria and application process, and publicly report on the skills, livelihoods, enterprises and opportunities supported by the additional N1 billion.
According to Kefas, the separate N1 billion crisis-recovery intervention would be guided by verified need and prioritise the most severely affected families and communities, with all expenditure publicly accounted for.
The governor also reassured retired public servants that ongoing pension payments would continue.
“You served Taraba, and your years of service deserve respect and dignity. Your welfare remains a priority, and we will continue working to meet our obligations to you,” he said.