FIC REPORT (TARABA STATE) – The Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, has announced a series of people-centred commitments covering poverty relief, youth empowerment, crisis recovery, grassroots development, teachers’ welfare, electricity and public accountability. pensions.
In a statewide broadcast commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, Governor Kefas announced #2.5 billion in approved funding for vulnerable households, young people and crisis-affected communities.
The package comprises #500 million for TARABA CARES, a six-month Social Investment and Poverty Relief Programme running from October 2026 to March 2027; an additional #1 billion for the Taraba State Youth Development Agency; and #1 billion for relief and recovery in Karim Lamido and other crisis-affected parts of the State.
Governor Kefas said he first announced TARABA CARES during celebrations marking Taraba State’s 35th anniversary in August. The programme will give priority to 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 the assistance available, eligibility requirements and registration process. He said selection must be based on verified need-not political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or personal connections-and that a clear complaints channel must be provided.
The Taraba State Youth Development Agency is also required to publish its programme, selection criteria and application process, and report publicly on the skills, livelihoods, enterprises and opportunities supported by the additional #1 billion.
Implementation of the separate #1 billion crisis-recovery intervention will be guided by verified need and will prioritise the most severely affected families and communities. All expenditure is to be publicly accounted for.
Governor Kefas 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.
168 WARDS, TEACHERS AND AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT
The Governor 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. Communities will help identify their priorities, while success will be measured by completed projects and benefits delivered-not merely by announcements.
Governor Kefas also announced the Taraba Teachers’ Welfare, Professionalisation and Housing Programme, scheduled to begin in 2027.
A time-bound implementation committee will 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 State will also develop strategic measures from 2027 to harness its rivers, lakes, dams and wetlands for fisheries, food security, processing, employment and community livelihoods.
DEBT TRANSPARENCY ACCOUNTABILITY AND FISCAL
Addressing public concerns about the State’s finances, Governor Kefas said the administration inherited debts and other obligations and continues to service them while paying salaries and pensions, maintaining public services, funding security and executing projects.
He acknowledged that the Government has accessed lawful financing facilities where necessary, but emphasised that financing must be lawful, affordable, transparent and invested productively.
The Governor directed the relevant financial authorities to make available a clear, reconciled and accessible statement showing the State’s verified debt position, inherited obligations, amounts approved and actually drawn, repayments made, debt-servicing requirements and projects financed.
“Our books must be open to lawful scrutiny, our projects must be visible and our decisions must be explainable,” he said.
Governor Kefas stated that his administration would continue to reduce existing obligations, grow internally generated revenue, expand the productive economy and avoid imposing unreasonable taxes on poor citizens.
ELECTRICITY DEVELOPMENT AND MAMBILLA
Governor Kefas congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government on Nigeria’s victory in the international arbitration concerning the proposed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
He welcomed the removal of a major legal obstacle and expressed Taraba State’s readiness to cooperate with the Federal Government to move the proposed project forward responsibly, with proper protection for host communities and the environment.
The Governor 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 assess suitable sites and prepare credible investment opportunities for small and medium hydropower, solar energy and other forms of electricity generation.
NAMNAI BRIDGE AND CLIMATE-RELATED HAZARDS
Governor Kefas acknowledged the hardship, economic disruption and loss of lives caused by the collapse of the Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari federal highway.
While appreciating President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the North East Development Commission for awarding and commencing reconstruction, the Governor said progress had not matched the urgency of the situation or the expectations of the people.
He directed the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, working with the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, to engage immediately with the NEDC, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the contractor.
Within seven days, the Governor expects a verified report on the project’s status, the
challenges affecting construction and a realistic timetable for sustained work and completion. The outcome will be communicated to the public.
The State Government will also continue to strengthen flood control, drainage, erosion management, early-warning systems emergency preparedness across Taraba. and
“The people do not need another speech about Namnai Bridge. They need a safe and completed bridge,” Governor Kefas said.
RESPONSIBLE MINING, CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND SECURITY
The Governor announced that he would meet with the Taraba State Artisanal Mining Association, host communities, government institutions, health and environmental professionals and other stakeholders on 3 October 2026.
The meeting will begin the process of establishing standards for registration, designated areas, safety, mercury control, environmental restoration, water protection, prohibition of child labour and safer technology.
Governor Kefas also announced OUR TARABA, OUR RESPONSIBILITY, a community-driven civic and environmental initiative promoting forest protection, tree planting, proper waste disposal, clean public spaces, protection of waterways and public property, responsible citizenship and respectful digital conduct.
On security, the Governor reaffirmed that the security and welfare of the people remained the primary purpose of government. He warned that those who organise violence, sponsor criminal activity or exploit communal differences would face firm action within the law and through due process.
PREROGATIVE OF MERCY
Governor Kefas announced that, pursuant to Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and following consultation with the Taraba State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, he had approved the exercise of the prerogative of mercy in favour of 24 inmates whose cases had been duly reviewed.
He said the decision was guided by law, the interests of justice, evidence of rehabilitation and humanitarian considerations.
The Governor urged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity responsibly, live peacefully, obey the law and contribute positively to their families and communities.
Governor Kefas concluded by assuring Tarabans that his administration would answer criticism through service, accountability and visible results.
“The mandate you gave me will remain a mandate for service. The resources of Taraba will be used to develop Taraba. The future of our children will remain at the centre of our decisions,” he said.
Signed:
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Government House, Jalingo
1 October 2026
