Taraba Spends Just 12.5% of ₦460bn Capital Budget in Six Months

 

By Samuel Thomas

The Taraba State Government spent only 12.5 per cent of its ₦460.39 billion capital expenditure budget in the first half of 2026, according to the state's 2026 Second Quarter Budget Implementation Report.

The report showed that the state had spent ₦57.49 billion on capital expenditure as of the end of June, leaving about ₦402.90 billion of the approved capital budget unspent.

The figure represents a significant gap in the implementation of projects and programmes captured under the state's 2026 budget.

Overall, the state recorded 25 per cent expenditure performance against its total annual budget during the period under review, with total expenditure standing at about ₦163.58 billion.

The low capital spending came despite the state recording ₦217.22 billion in revenue during the first two quarters of the year, representing 33.3 per cent of its ₦651.49 billion annual revenue target.

The report showed that the state received ₦112.01 billion as its share of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue during the period, representing 29.8 per cent of the ₦376.16 billion projected for the year.

 Capital Spending Lags

The report's capital expenditure figures raise questions about the pace of implementation of development projects across sectors.

While some sectors recorded significant spending, several critical areas had relatively low or zero implementation during the period.

The state allocated substantial resources to sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and environmental protection, but the overall capital expenditure performance remained at just 12.5 per cent halfway through the financial year.

The report indicates that the low capital expenditure was not necessarily due to a complete absence of government spending, as recurrent expenditure accounted for a larger share of spending during the period.

Recurrent expenditure stood at about ₦106.09 billion, representing 55.6 per cent of the ₦190.92 billion recurrent budget.

 Health Projects Affected

The health sector was among the areas where capital implementation remained low.

The report showed that ₦3.53 billion was budgeted for the construction and provision of hospitals and health centres, but no expenditure had been recorded against the allocation by the end of the second quarter.

Similarly, ₦900 million allocated for the rehabilitation and repairs of hospitals and health centres recorded zero expenditure during the period.

Primary healthcare also recorded relatively low implementation, with ₦1.24 billion spent out of an allocation of about ₦8.77 billion, representing 14.1 per cent performance.

 Education Also Records Low Implementation

The education sector also recorded low capital spending in the first six months of the year.

The state had allocated about ₦77 billion to education under the functional classification, but only ₦5.998 billion had been spent by the end of June, representing 7.8 per cent implementation.

The report showed particularly low spending in some subsectors, raising questions about the pace of implementation of planned education projects.

Agriculture Spending Remains Low

Agriculture, another key sector in the state's development plans, also recorded low implementation.

The state budgeted about ₦34.7 billion for agriculture, but only ₦3.56 billion had been spent by the end of the second quarter, representing 10.2 per cent implementation.

Some components recorded even lower performance. Food production and productivity recorded only 2.7 per cent implementation, while post-harvest loss reduction and fisheries development recorded no expenditure during the period.

 Climate Change Allocation Barely Touched

The report also showed very low implementation of the state's climate change budget.

Out of about ₦7.83 billion allocated to climate change-related activities, only ₦500,000 had been spent by the end of the second quarter.

This represents virtually zero implementation of the annual allocation during the first six months of the year.

The development is significant given the state's exposure to environmental challenges, including flooding, erosion, deforestation and other climate-related risks.

 What Happens to the Remaining Budget?

With six months of the financial year already gone, the report leaves the state with about ₦402.9 billion of its capital expenditure budget still to be implemented.

The remaining months of the year will therefore be critical for the government to accelerate the implementation of capital projects and programmes if it is to significantly improve its overall budget performance.

The report, however, does not by itself explain the reasons for the low capital expenditure or whether the delayed implementation is linked to procurement processes, project readiness, funding schedules or other administrative factors.

The figures therefore highlight the need for further clarification from the state government on the status of the affected projects and its plans to accelerate implementation in the second half of the year.

As the state moves into the second half of the 2026 financial year, the central question remains whether the government can translate the substantial resources provided for capital development into actual projects and services before the end of the year.

Despite Crackdown, Illegal Mining Thrives in Taraba

 

A footage of illegal mining in Mayo Kam Bali LGA in Taraba (video source: Arise TV)

By Samuel Thomas

Despite repeated government orders suspending mining activities and years of raids by state anti-illegal mining task forces, illegal mining continues to thrive across parts of Taraba State, raising concerns over security, environmental degradation and revenue losses.

Since Governor Agbu Kefas assumed office in 2023, the Taraba State Government has issued several directives suspending mining activities and established task forces to enforce the orders.

The enforcement operations have resulted in thousands of arrests, seizure of mining equipment and confiscation of valuable minerals. But the continued emergence of new mining sites suggests that the measures have so far failed to permanently halt the activities.

Figures attributed to officials of the state task force indicate that more than 3,000 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in various operations, including foreign nationals from countries such as Mali, Senegal, Chad, Burkina Faso and Cameroon.

In one of the major operations in September 2023, the task force reportedly recovered 22,373 kilogrammes of blue sapphire at Mayo Sina in Sardauna Local Government Area.

More than 100 suspects were reportedly arrested during the operation, while mining equipment and other precious stones were also confiscated.

The former chairman of the task force, retired Brigadier-General Jeremiah Faransa, was also quoted as saying that confiscated sapphire from the operations was worth more than N2 billion.

The task force has also reported identifying thousands of mining locations across the state. Faransa was quoted as saying that more than 20,000 legal and illegal mining locations had been identified.

At an earlier stage of the operations, the task force reportedly identified 15 illegal mining sites across five local government areas, including Sardauna, Gashaka, Bali, Wukari and Karim-Lamido.

The state has also reportedly realised more than N1 billion in fines from people arrested for violating government orders suspending mining activities.

Yet, despite the arrests, seizures and fines, illegal mining continues to re-emerge.

Fresh Gold Rush in Bali

The latest concern is coming from Mayo Kam in Bali Local Government Area, where a fresh gold rush has reportedly attracted suspected illegal miners from different parts of Nigeria and other countries.

A video circulating online showed mining activities in the area, with reports that people from Zamfara State and foreign nationals, including individuals from Libya and Egypt, had arrived in search of gold.

The renewed activity is occurring despite the state's suspension of mining activities.

The Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force has responded with fresh operations in Mayo Kam and neighbouring areas.

Recent operations reportedly resulted in the arrest of dozens of suspected illegal miners and the seizure of pumps, generators and other mining and processing equipment.

In one operation, about 50 suspects were reportedly arrested, while more than 500 others were said to have been dispersed from the mining area. In other raids, smaller numbers of suspects were arrested, while some suspects were reportedly returned to their states of origin.

The repeated return of miners after security operations raises questions about whether periodic raids and temporary suspensions can effectively address illegal mining in the state.

Security Concerns

For Taraba, the issue extends beyond the loss of minerals and environmental degradation.

The state has experienced years of insecurity, particularly in some rural and border communities. The movement of large numbers of people into remote locations in search of minerals could create additional security challenges, especially where authorities have limited capacity to monitor who enters and leaves mining communities.

The presence of foreign nationals in some mining areas has also heightened concerns about the ability of security agencies to properly monitor activities in remote locations.

The challenge is compounded by the difficult terrain of many mining communities. Some sites are located deep in forests and valleys, with poor road networks and limited security presence.

This makes it possible for illegal operators to receive advance information about enforcement operations, abandon their sites temporarily and return after security personnel leave.

 Billions Lost

Beyond security and environmental concerns, illegal mining is also costing Taraba significant revenue.

Investigative reports citing government sources have estimated that the state loses more than N10 billion annually to illegal mining.

However, there is no publicly available, independently audited state-level report establishing the exact amount Taraba loses every year to illegal mining.

The N10 billion figure should therefore be treated as an estimate rather than an audited state revenue-loss figure.

At the national level, the scale of the problem is considerably larger.

The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has previously estimated that Nigeria loses about $9 billion annually to illegal mining.

Meanwhile, data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative shows that the formal solid minerals sector contributed about N401 billion to Nigeria's economy in 2023, representing roughly 0.72 per cent of GDP.

The relatively low contribution of the formal mining sector, despite Nigeria's considerable mineral resources, has repeatedly raised questions about illegal mining, weak regulation, poor enforcement and the large informal economy surrounding mineral extraction.

Why Does Illegal Mining Keep Returning?

One of the major difficulties confronting the government is the scale and geographical spread of mining activities.

With thousands of identified locations across the state, maintaining permanent security and regulatory presence at every site would require considerable manpower, funding and logistics.

There are also concerns about weak and unsustained enforcement.

Periodic raids may disrupt operations but do not necessarily dismantle the networks responsible for financing, organising and marketing illegally mined minerals.

There have also been allegations of collusion involving local actors and influential individuals. Such allegations, however, require proper investigation and should not be treated as established facts without evidence.

Another challenge is the limited formalisation of artisanal mining. For many people living around mining communities, mining provides an important source of income. Simply banning the activity without providing legal alternatives or other livelihood opportunities can make it difficult to sustain enforcement.

 Beyond Raids and Suspensions

Experts and stakeholders say a lasting solution requires more than shutting down mining sites.

The state and federal governments need to strengthen coordination between agencies responsible for mining regulation, environmental protection and security.

There is also a need for a transparent and accessible licensing system that allows legitimate artisanal miners to operate legally and makes it easier for authorities to monitor their activities.

Technology could also help authorities monitor remote mining locations through satellite imagery, geographic information systems and intelligence-led operations.

Community participation is equally important.

Residents of mining communities should have a stake in legitimate mining activities through benefit-sharing arrangements and development programmes. Providing alternative livelihoods could also reduce dependence on illegal mining.

Environmental protection must form another critical part of the strategy.

Mining activities can lead to deforestation, destruction of farmland, pollution of water sources and degradation of landscapes. Operators should therefore be required to rehabilitate degraded sites and comply with environmental standards.

Authorities must also go beyond arresting miners at the extraction points and investigate the networks that finance, transport and sell illegally mined minerals.

 A Problem That Requires a Long-Term Solution

The experience of Taraba shows that illegal mining cannot be eliminated through executive orders and periodic security raids alone.

The thousands of arrests and tonnes of minerals seized by government task forces demonstrate that enforcement agencies have taken significant action. But the emergence of new mining sites, including the recent gold rush in Mayo Kam, shows that the underlying problem remains.

For a state already dealing with security challenges, continued unregulated movement of people into remote mining communities could have consequences beyond the mining sector.

Taraba therefore faces the challenge of developing a long-term strategy that combines sustained enforcement with regulation, community participation, alternative livelihoods, environmental restoration and action against the wider networks profiting from illegal mining.

Until those underlying issues are addressed, the cycle of raids, arrests, temporary closure and the eventual return of illegal miners is likely to continue.

NYSC begins orientation for 1,166 corps members in Taraba

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday inaugurated 1,166 corps members deployed to Taraba State for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sibre, in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.

Mr Williams Ella Aji, NYSC Taraba State Coordinator, noted that the three-week exercise was designed to build character, discipline and national unity among graduates.

Williams told the corps members that they were no longer just graduates from different institutions, but members of one national family under the NYSC.

"The orientation course is not merely military drills, lectures, physical exercises and social activities. It is a school of character. In the next three weeks we will test your discipline, resilience, adaptability, teamwork and emotional intelligence," he said.

He urged them to manage themselves well, relate respectfully with others, obey legitimate instructions from camp officials and security personnel, be punctual, attend all scheduled programs, and keep the camp environment clean.

The Coordinator assured the corps members that their welfare and safety remain top priorities for the NYSC in Taraba.

He also appreciated the North East Development Commission for its support to the scheme in the state. 

According to him, NEDC recently installed 50 solar-powered street lights in the camp, which has significantly improved security, added that the commission is currently installing a solar-powered borehole with a storage capacity of 40,000 litres to strengthen water supply and improve welfare.

Williams encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program during the orientation to acquire skills for self-reliance after service.

Speaking earlier, Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, assured corps members of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and security throughout their stay in the state.

Represented by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, Kefas said renovation works would soon commence in the camp to provide conducive and healthy living conditions.

The event which held simultaneously across the 36 state orientation camps and the FCT, was well attended by top government functionaries such as the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS),  Gebon T Kataps, the Chairman, Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, royal fathers, representatives of security and paramilitary formations in the state, among others.

The oath of allegiance for batch 'B' stream ii was administered by Justice Clara Jummai Kataps.

NGO Seeks Formal Partnership with Taraba Government to Combat Malnutrition

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Rural Integrated Development Initiative (RIDI), a non-governmental organization, has Thursday sought formal partnership with the Taraba State Government to scale up interventions against malnutrition in the state.

The Executive Director of (RIDI), Alhaji Mohammed Tanko Danburam, made the appeal on Friday during a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Gbashegn Buma, in Jalingo.

Danburam said the proposed  collaboration would focus on the implementation and scale-up of Multiple Micronutrients Supplementation, MMS, in Antenatal Care, ANC, and the integration of deworming into routine Primary Health Care outreaches, schools, and the Maternal Newborn Child Health Week, MNCHW.

He further noted that the MoU if signed would promote community engagement will imbibe spirit of ownership of health facilities in local communities.

"The aim of this meeting is to explore ways we can collaborate officially. We have been working closely with the ministry for the past 15 years, but not on official ground. We come in only during activities. Now we want a formal partnership with the Ministry of Health and other national and international bodies to help fight health challenges," Danburam said.

Responding, Dr. Bordiya Buma, State commissioner for health said he would discuss the proposal with the relevant authorities, including the Taraba State Governor and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, with a view to signing a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU.

Residents Raise Alarm Over Poor Healthcare Facilities in Taraba Communities

 

By Thomas Samuel 

Residents of Kurmi and Sardauna Local Government Areas of Taraba State have raised concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare services in their communities, calling on the state government and relevant agencies to urgently intervene.

Findings by correspondents revealed that the First Referral Hospital in Baissa, Kurmi Local Government Area, is in a deplorable condition and requires immediate rehabilitation to improve healthcare service delivery.

The investigation showed that the hospital lacks adequate hospital beds, mattresses, functional toilet facilities, reliable electricity and other essential medical infrastructure needed to provide quality healthcare.

 Residents who spoke on condition of anonymity described the situation as alarming, noting that the facility, which serves as the only secondary healthcare institution in the area, is currently being managed by only one doctor.

They appealed to the Taraba State Government to urgently rehabilitate and equip the hospital to improve healthcare services and reduce the hardship faced by patients and healthcare workers.

When contacted, the Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Council, Moses Maihankali, said the council had already written to the North East Development Commission (NEDC), requesting support for the rehabilitation and equipping of the hospital.

A similar situation exists in Nguroje Ward of Sardauna Local Government Area, where residents of Gurgu, Bojire, Yelwa and Belel communities are struggling to access healthcare due to the absence of functional health facilities and poor road networks.

The Councillor representing Nguroje Ward, Dauda Manu Maisamari, disclosed that the affected communities have no primary healthcare centres, forcing residents to travel long distances to the nearest health facility in Maisamari.

According to him, the poor condition of roads often makes the journey difficult or impossible, especially during medical emergencies. He said many families are left with no option but to carry sick patients across difficult terrain in search of treatment.

Maisamari described the situation as a humanitarian concern, particularly for pregnant women, children and the elderly, lamenting that several lives have been lost in recent years because patients could not access timely medical care.

He appealed to the Taraba State Government and relevant authorities to establish primary healthcare centres in the affected communities and rehabilitate roads linking them to existing health facilities.

The concerns raised by residents come barely a week after the presentation of the Taraba State Quarter Two Health Sector Scorecard during the 2026 Joint Annual Review (JAR), which highlighted significant gaps in the implementation of the state's health plans.

The scorecard showed that only 19 per cent of the 232 activities captured in the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint Annual Operational Plan received funding, while just 17.7 per cent were fully implemented during the second quarter of 2026. The review also revealed that the sector recorded an overall budget performance of only 1.08 per cent despite a budget exceeding ₦5.5 billion, with inadequate funding, delayed approvals and poor implementation identified among the major constraints affecting service delivery.

The Joint Annual Review, a multi-stakeholder accountability forum, was convened to assess the health sector's performance, strengthen data-driven decision-making and identify priorities for the 2027 Annual Operational Plan.

Residents and community leaders believe that increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, improved road connectivity and more effective implementation of health sector plans will ease the suffering of rural communities, reduce preventable deaths and improve access to quality healthcare across Taraba State.

Accord Guber candidate, Prof. Nyameh rolls out 4-Pillar agenda to transform Taraba

 

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Accord Party's governorship candidate for Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has unveiled a four-pillar agenda aimed at repositioning the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.  

Prof. Nyameh made this known while interacting with journalists in Jalingo on Sunday, saying his campaign would focus on issues and not on personal attacks, adding that the state deserves a new kind of politics built on ideas and service delivery.  

According to him, the agenda is anchored on four solid pillars designed to address the challenges facing the state.  

"Our campaign shall be strictly issue-based. There will be no name-calling, no insults, and no personal attacks. We shall rise above petty politics and focus on what truly matters to the people of Taraba State.

"Our first pillar is Viable Blueprint Agenda tagged 'Taraba Therapy' which is a clear, comprehensive and people-centred roadmap for transforming the state.  

"The second pillar is our Track Record, which highlights the tangible evidence of service, dedication and results from myself and my running mate.  

"The third pillar is Who We Are, and What We Have To Offer as practical and realistic solutions for the development of Taraba," he said.

He assured supporters that marketing the candidature would not be difficult because the record of service is already visible.  

Nyameh said the ultimate goal is to build a Taraba where opportunities are created, infrastructure is developed, the economy is revived, and citizens live in peace and dignity.  

"Our reputation speaks for itself. Our track record is evident, and our blueprint, Taraba Therapy, is here to solve problems, not create them.

"We will develop our state where opportunities are created, infrastructure is developed, our economy is revived, and our people live in peace and dignity," he added.

Only 18.5% of Taraba Health Sector Activities Implemented in Q2 – Review

 

By Thomas Samuel 

Taraba State's health sector recorded an overall implementation rate of 18.5 per cent of its planned activities for the second quarter of 2026, according to the Quarter Two Health Sector Scorecard presented during the 2026 Joint Annual Review (JAR).

The report showed that out of 232 activities captured in the state's Health Sector Strategic Blueprint Annual Operational Plan, only 19 per cent received funding, (roughly 44 out of the 232 planned activities got money to begin implementation) while 17.7 per cent were fully implemented during the period under review.

According to the presentation, the major challenge affecting implementation was the absence of defined activity memos, which accounted for 74 per cent of the bottlenecks. Other constraints included delayed or denied memo approvals, lack of cash backing for approved activities, delayed execution, and incomplete implementation of funded projects.

The review further indicated that government-funded activities recorded a completion rate of 25.3 per cent, while activities supported by development partners achieved an 80 per cent completion rate. Jointly funded activities posted a completion rate of 64.3 per cent, whereas activities without any funding recorded no implementation.

Financial analysis presented at the review showed that the health sector had a budget of over ₦5.5 billion for the period. However, only about ₦59.4 million was spent, representing an overall budget performance of 1.08 per cent. Government funding accounted for all the expenditure, while no spending was recorded under development partner or joint funding sources during the quarter.

The findings were presented during the 2026 Taraba State Health Sector Joint Annual Review, a multi-stakeholder accountability forum designed to assess performance against annual operational plans, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and identify priorities for the 2027 Annual Operational Plan.

 The review also seeks to promote transparency, mutual accountability, and collaboration among government, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, and communities.