The Gombe State government has approved a N5 billion contract aimed at introducing a comprehensive street naming system, standardised house numbering, and installation of modern signages across the state to strengthen urban development and public service delivery.
The approval was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Njodi, following the 52nd Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Friday.
Njodi said the council deliberated extensively on the longstanding challenges created by the absence of clearly identified streets and organised residential numbering, noting that the initiative represents a critical step toward aligning the state with modern urban planning standards.
“One of the issues we considered is the issue of street naming, signages and house numbering. This government decided to award a project and seek consultants who know the job and understand exactly what needs to be done,” Njodi said.
He explained that the contract award followed a competitive bidding process involving multiple contractors, with the government selecting firms considered technically capable of delivering quality results.
“We received submissions from different contractors and carefully evaluated them. We selected the best bidders who will give us the best services. The total sum for the three contracts awarded stands at N5 billion,” he stated.
According to him, the absence of proper addressing systems has long posed difficulties for residents, businesses, and visitors trying to navigate communities within the state capital and rapidly expanding urban areas.
“Very soon, Gombe State will have its streets properly named, in the manner it is done in advanced societies. With the installation of standard signage, the idea of not knowing where you are going or how to locate an address will become a thing of the past,” he added.
Njodi further noted that the initiative would introduce uniform house numbering across the state, a development expected to improve governance coordination, emergency response efficiency, and revenue management.
“The same applies to house numbering. All houses will have numbers, as is the practice in other developed societies. This is essentially the thinking of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Whatever we are doing, we are being futuristic — trying to anticipate where we are heading as a state and preparing adequately for it,” Njodi said.
He stressed that the administration is focused on replacing outdated administrative systems with reforms capable of supporting investment, planning, and security operations.
“It should not be the old system of doing things. Street naming, signages and house numbering are very key and very important components of urban development. They support planning, investment, security and general administration,” he explained.
Njodi expressed confidence that implementation timelines agreed with contractors would ensure completion of the project before the end of the year.
Once completed, the initiative is expected to simplify address identification, ease business and logistics operations, improve emergency service access, and enhance the overall physical outlook of communities across the state.
