Gombe Governor Faults FG Over ₦1.4bn Compensation for NYSC Camp Takeover

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed dissatisfaction with the ₦1.4 billion paid by the Federal Government as compensation for taking over the state-owned National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Malam Sidi, Kwami Local Government Area, now used for Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC).

The camp, originally constructed under former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo for corps members’ mandatory three-week orientation, was converted by the Defence Headquarters into a facility for the de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, while receiving a delegation of senior military officers from Defence Headquarters on Tuesday, Yahaya said the state had been compelled to construct a new NYSC orientation camp in Boltongo district at a much higher cost.

“The Federal Government paid us only ₦1.4 billion in compensation, yet we have already spent over ₦5 billion to put up a new NYSC orientation camp. That is almost three times the amount we were given,” he lamented.

The governor noted that despite initial skepticism from residents of Malam Sidi, the state’s collaboration with security agencies had helped build trust and stability in the host community.

“Through constant engagement and well-mapped strategies, we have been able to allay the fears of our citizens, especially in Malam Sidi, where the programme is hosted,” Yahaya said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s support for Operation Safe Corridor and pledged continued cooperation with the Armed Forces in efforts to reintegrate repentant insurgents.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Suleiman Haruna Abdullahi, who led the visiting delegation, explained that the team was in Gombe for an administrative assessment of OPSC.

Punch