The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has concluded the rehabilitation of the tomb and museum of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in Bauchi State, in a move aimed at preserving the nation’s historical heritage while boosting tourism and education.

The Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, disclosed this during an inspection and commissioning of completed NEDC projects across the state. He noted that the intervention involved extensive upgrades to key facilities, including the museum and library, the tomb, the reception area, as well as male and female public conveniences. Ahmadu praised the NEDC for executing a project that reflects the stature and legacy of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, stressed the importance of continuous collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational governments to fast-track development and enhance the wellbeing of citizens. He made this known while receiving the minister, alongside the board and management of the NEDC, during a courtesy visit to the Government House.

The governor described the NEDC as a symbol of cooperation, unity, and shared responsibility between the Federal Government and the states, expressing appreciation for the commission’s sustained interventions in the North-East. He also commended the NEDC leadership, under its Managing Director, Mohammed Goni Alkali, for its clarity of vision, adaptability, and commitment to delivering impactful projects.

Earlier, Hon. Ahmadu highlighted Bauchi’s significance in Nigeria’s history as the birthplace of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the renowned nationalist and poet, Mallam Sa’adu Zungur. He explained that the visit was part of an ongoing exercise to supervise and commission NEDC projects in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and commerce.

According to the minister, the projects are overseen by the Ministry of Regional Development, which was established by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 24 last year. He added that the inspection and commissioning of projects would continue in the coming days.