The Gombe State Executive Council has approved a N5 billion contract for the comprehensive naming of streets, installation of signages and numbering of houses across the state, as part of efforts to modernise urban planning and improve service delivery.
Secretary to Government of Gombe State, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, disclosed this shortly after the 52nd Council meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, on Friday.
According to Njodi, the council considered the long-standing challenges associated with the absence of proper street naming, clear signages and organised house numbering, describing the development as a major step toward repositioning Gombe in line with global best practices.
“One of the issues we considered is the issue of street naming, signages and house numbering,” Njodi said. “This government decided to award a project and seek consultants who know the job and understand exactly what needs to be done.”
He explained that several contractors submitted proposals for the project, after which the state selected the most competent bidders.
“We received submissions from different contractors and carefully evaluated them. We selected the best bidders that will give us the best services. The total sum for the three contracts awarded stands at N5 billion,” he stated.
Njodi noted that the initiative would eliminate the persistent difficulties residents and visitors face in navigating the state, especially within the capital and other growing urban centres.
“Very soon, Gombe State will have its streets properly named, in the manner it is done in advanced societies. With the installation of standard signages, the idea of not knowing where you are going or how to locate an address will become a thing of the past,” he added.
He further stressed that house numbering would also be standardised across the state to enhance planning, security coordination, emergency response, and revenue administration.
“The same applies to house numbering. All houses will have numbers, as is the practice in other developed societies. This is essentially the thinking of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Whatever we are doing, we are being futuristic — trying to anticipate where we are heading as a state and preparing adequately for it,” Njodi said.
Njodi emphasised that the present administration was determined to depart from outdated systems and embrace reforms that reflect modern governance standards.
“It should not be the old system of doing things. Street naming, signages and house numbering are very key and very important components of urban development. They support planning, investment, security and general administration,” he explained.
He expressed optimism that the project would be completed before the end of the year, noting that timelines had been clearly outlined in the contract agreements.
Our correspondent reports that the initiative is expected to significantly improve address identification, ease business operations, strengthen emergency services response, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the state.
