Gombe Governor Decries Low Compensation for NYSC Camp Takeover

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has criticised the compensation paid by the Federal Government for the takeover of the state-owned National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Malam Sidi, Kwami Local Government Area.

The camp, originally built by former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo for corps members’ orientation, was converted into a facility for Operation Safe Corridor—the military-led programme 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 from the Defence Headquarters on Tuesday, Governor Yahaya lamented that the state was only paid ₦1.4 billion in compensation, despite spending over ₦5 billion to construct a new NYSC orientation camp in Boltongo district.

“The Federal Government gave us ₦1.4 billion, yet we have spent more than three times that amount to put up a replacement facility,” he said.

The governor noted that initial fears among residents of Malam Sidi had been addressed through continuous engagement and collaboration with security agencies, which helped build trust within the host community.

While reaffirming Gombe’s support for the success of Operation Safe Corridor, Yahaya pledged continued cooperation with the Armed Forces in efforts to reintegrate former insurgents into society.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Suleiman Haruna Abdullahi, who led the visiting military delegation, said the team was in Gombe for an administrative review of the programme. He explained that engagements had been held with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members to gain deeper insights, adding that the findings would be forwarded to Defence Headquarters to enhance governance and implementation.