In a landmark fiscal achievement, the Yobe State Government has repaid ₦39 billion in loan obligations within a single year under the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Mai Mala Buni, CON. The amount represents a significant portion of the ₦96 billion borrowed by the state from financial institutions, marking a new chapter in Yobe’s commitment to economic recovery, prudent financial management, and long-term sustainability.
The repayment, confirmed by state treasury sources, is being described as an “unprecedented milestone” by analysts and development stakeholders, given the economic climate and resource limitations facing many states across the country.
Governor Buni’s administration has continued to attract praise for its disciplined approach to public finance, which prioritises transparency, reduced debt exposure, and the channelling of funds to critical development areas.
According to economic observers, the repayment of ₦39 billion in just twelve months demonstrates not only fiscal responsibility but a rare capacity to manage scarce resources while simultaneously delivering capital-intensive projects across the state.
“This level of repayment within one year is not only commendable—it is transformational,” said a senior economist at the North-East Policy Forum. “It improves investor confidence and frees resources for development priorities.”
Despite the heavy loan servicing obligations, Governor Buni’s government continues to implement a wide range of infrastructure, social, and economic projects, underscoring his vision of a resilient, self-sufficient Yobe.
Between January and June 2025, the government launched and completed several major projects across key sectors, including 14 road and bridge construction projects across Damaturu, Potiskum, Nguru, and Geidam. Ground was broken on the Damaturu flyover—the first of its kind in the state—while urban electrification – and solar-powered street lighting continue to expand.
In the healthcare sector, the state completed over 140 primary healthcare centres, fully equipped and staffed with over 311 newly recruited personnel. The administration has also made significant strides in education, commissioning model schools, supplying learning materials, and covering examination and tuition fees for thousands of students.
The agricultural sector has received over ₦15 billion in support through inputs, training, and mechanisation, while four sesame-processing factories in Potiskum, Damaturu, Nguru,Machina are boosting local agro-economies Women and youth across the state have benefited from vocational empowerment schemes, small business grants, and cash transfers—part of a larger poverty reduction strategy.
The administration has also launched the Damaturu Green Economic City project, aiming to industrialise the state capital and attract investment through modern infrastructure and a business-friendly environment. With plans for a new industrial park, shopping malls, truck transit centres, and modern markets nearing completion, the governor’s economic blueprint is steadily materialising.
Though Governor Buni still has two years left in his second term, the scale and pace of development underway suggest a leader determined to consolidate his achievements and deepen his legacy. In June 2025, the governor appointed a Special Adviser on International Relations and Investment, reaffirming his focus on foreign partnerships and cross-border trade, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin.
His administration’s commitment to public sector reform has earned accolades from the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance, securing over $5 million in grants tied to e-governance, payroll digitisation, and procurement reform. These achievements, observers note, speak to a leadership style that is both visionary and grounded in results.
From aggressive debt servicing to expansive development programmes, Governor Mai Mala Buni is writing a bold new chapter in the state’s history—one defined by resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the people. As the dividends of his policies continue to unfold, many agree that posterity will remember Dr. Mai Mala Buni is not just as a governor but as a builder of a greater Yobe.
_Written by A. A. Mshelia, Public Affairs Analyst from Abuja_