Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has officially signed into law a ₦128.58 billion supplementary budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The signing, which took place over the weekend, also included the approval of a ₦47.12 billion virement previously passed by the Taraba State House of Assembly. The new financial package aims to fill urgent funding gaps across essential sectors such as security, infrastructure, education, and economic development. According to Governor Kefas, the supplementary budget will strengthen the state’s economic resilience and ensure adequate funding for developmental projects already in progress. Speaking during the signing ceremony, the governor emphasized that the additional budgetary allocation was necessary to enhance the delivery of key public services, especially in sectors that directly impact the lives of Taraba residents. He noted that the move aligns with his administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and inclusive growth. Governor Kefas also praised the Taraba State House of Assembly for its swift legislative support in approving the virement and supplementary budget, describing it as a demonstration of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government. He stated that the funds will be judiciously utilized to tackle pressing challenges, including improving internal security, accelerating road construction, boosting agricultural productivity, and investing in human capital development. The supplementary budget, according to government sources, reflects a strategic response to emerging economic realities and fiscal pressures. It is part of the administration’s broader effort to stabilize the state’s finances while addressing infrastructural needs that have long hindered growth and social development. Governor Kefas reiterated his administration’s determination to maintain financial discipline and ensure all expenditures are tied to measurable results that benefit the people of Taraba State. He urged ministries and agencies to prioritize accountability and timely project delivery. With the signing of the ₦128.58 billion supplementary budget into law, Taraba State is expected to witness improved funding for critical sectors, paving the way for economic expansion and sustainable development throughout 2025.
The Gimbiyar Lau, Hajiya Mamma Fati Ibrahim Hassan Lau, has passionately called upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare the urgent reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Taraba State as a national emergency, following a heartbreaking accident that claimed the lives of her family members. While speaking to journalists in Taraba State on Sunday, the traditional leader expressed grief over the tragic boat mishap that occurred at the Namnai Bridge site in Gassol Local Government Area on Saturday. According to her, the fatal incident—which involved eight of her family members—could have been avoided if the long-abandoned bridge had been properly reconstructed and maintained. Out of the eight individuals involved in the incident, five were rescued, one body was recovered, and two are still unaccounted for as rescue operations entered their third day, according to reports gathered by LMSINT MEDIA. Describing the tragedy as a “completely avoidable disaster,” Hajiya Mamma Fati strongly condemned years of governmental failure and negligence, which she believes have forced communities in the region to depend on hazardous water transportation, especially during the dangerous rainy season when rivers rise sharply and become increasingly unsafe. She specifically called on Governor Agbu Kefas to act decisively and mount strategic pressure on the Federal Government to immediately commence reconstruction of the Namnai Bridge. She emphasized that the bridge is not only vital to the residents of Lau and Gassol LGAs but also critical to Nigeria’s national transportation and trade network. According to her, the Jalingo–Wukari route, which hosts the Namnai Bridge, is a major transportation corridor that connects Northern and Southern Nigeria. This key route facilitates the movement of agricultural produce, livestock, and commercial goods, thereby serving as an economic lifeline that boosts interregional commerce and integration across the country. While extending her heartfelt condolences to grieving families—including the Alkali Hassan Lau and Badikko households, as well as the people of Lau, Gassol, and Jalingo LGAs—the Gimbiyar Lau stressed the need for decisive and responsible governance. She urged the federal authorities to take immediate and meaningful action to “put the right peg in the right hole,” thereby preventing any further loss of lives resulting from avoidable infrastructure failures.
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Troops from the Nigerian Army have detained 12 alleged kidnappers in Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State.The suspects were reportedly captured following a distress call from residents of Chachanji village about the abduction of two people by around 10 armed men on motorcycles on November 7. In a statement, Captain Olubodunde Oni, spokesperson for the 6 Brigade, noted that 14 motorcycles, two bags of Indian hemp, and a locally made pistol were recovered during the operation.“When the troops engaged with the armed group, their superior firepower forced the kidnappers to retreat further into the bush, leaving behind a locally made pistol and two bags of Indian hemp,” he stated.“ The thorough search and efforts by the troops disrupted the kidnappers’ activities and prevented further crimes.”The statement also mentioned that in a follow-up operation on November 9, the troops seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking spot in Mbhakyir village, near Agu Centre.In another development, the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for state workers, effective from November 2024. READ ALSO: Saudi Crown Prince Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms in Meeting with President Tinubu This announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the state’s Head of Service, Paul Maigida.“I am pleased to inform you that His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has sanctioned the implementation of a N70,000 new minimum wage for workers in Taraba State, starting from November 2024,” the statement read.Maigida emphasized that this measure aligns with the administration’s dedication to addressing the needs and aspirations of the workforce.
