The Federal Government has pledged continued collaboration with the Taraba State Government to harness the state’s potential in agriculture, energy, tourism, infrastructure and mineral resources as part of efforts to promote sustainable economic development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the commitment on Thursday in Jalingo at the celebration of Taraba State’s 35th anniversary and the launch of the Taraba Development Master Plan.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, Idris described the development plan as an important framework for the state’s long-term growth and commended Governor Agbu Kefas for adopting a long-term approach to development.
The Minister, however, stressed that the success of the plan would not be measured by its launch but by its implementation and its impact on the lives of residents.
According to him, the plan should ultimately translate into infrastructure, employment opportunities, stronger communities and improved living conditions.
Idris identified agriculture and agro-processing, livestock, hydropower, tourism, manufacturing and mineral resources as areas with significant economic potential in Taraba.
He also cited financing agreements reportedly worth about $268 million between the state and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development for projects including an industrial park, a 10,000-hectare irrigated rice production and processing scheme, and a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Jalingo.
The Minister said the Federal Government was also supporting development in the state through ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang road, Bali–Serti–Gashaka–Gembu road and sections of the Jalingo–Mutum Biyu–Tella–Wukari corridor.
Other projects mentioned include the Mayo Selbe–Gembu, Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede and Jalingo–Numan roads.
Idris said the projects were intended not only to improve transportation but also to strengthen connections between communities and support agriculture, trade, tourism and the movement of people and goods.
Security and Economic Reforms
On security, the Minister said the Federal Government was pursuing reforms aimed at establishing state police structures to bring policing closer to communities while maintaining professionalism, accountability and protection of citizens.
He also cited the establishment of the Nigerian Army’s 10 Division, headquartered in Jalingo and responsible for military operations in Taraba and Adamawa, as part of efforts to strengthen security in the region.
“Security and development must go together. Investment, agricultural production, tourism and commerce cannot thrive where communities are insecure,” Idris said.
On the economy, the Minister said Federal Government reforms had strengthened government revenues, claiming that the removal of fuel subsidy generated an additional ₦15.8 trillion between June 2023 and December 2025.
He said about ₦5.4 trillion accrued to the Federal Government, while approximately ₦10.4 trillion went to state and local governments, providing additional resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and human-capital development.
Communication and Public Participation
Idris also pledged closer collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the Taraba State Ministry responsible for information and public enlightenment.
He said effective communication would be necessary to ensure that residents understood and participated in the implementation of the Taraba Development Master Plan.
He stressed that the plan should extend beyond government offices and reach farmers, traders, students, businesses and communities across the state.
Governor Agbu Kefas, in his remarks, called for continuity in governance, saying his administration would build on previous achievements, address outstanding challenges, complete viable projects and create new opportunities for future generations.
Kefas also urged former leaders of the state to continue contributing their experience and knowledge to peace, unity and development in Taraba.
The anniversary and development plan launch attracted former Taraba Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame, Secretary to the State Government Chief G.T. Kataps, Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Dr Mohammed Bulama, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and other dignitaries.
The Federal Government's pledge comes as Taraba seeks to use its development master plan as a long-term framework for coordinating investments, infrastructure and economic opportunities across the state.
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