Taraba Government House Among Smallest In Nigeria – Gov Kefas

Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has described the state’s Government House in Jalingo as one of the smallest in the country, directing a review of options for its expansion or relocation to a more suitable site.

Governor Kefas gave the directive when he reviewed reports submitted by the committees on security and the proposed acquisition and compensation for properties surrounding the Government House.

The governor said the present facility could no longer adequately accommodate the state’s growing administrative needs, stressing the need for a modern complex with sufficient space for offices and other essential facilities.

“This Government House is one of the smallest Government Houses I have seen in this country. We need to expand it so that we will be able to have more space to accommodate offices and other areas,” he said.
LEADERSHIP reports that the state government earmarked N6 billion for the expansion of the TY Danjuma House in the 2026 fiscal year.

Kefas said the government would consider whether to acquire adjoining properties and compensate their owners or relocate the Government House to a larger site, noting that expansion could also require the reconstruction of some existing structures.

The governor also questioned a committee recommendation proposing the provision of alternative settlement layouts for project-affected persons in Northern Mayodasa and Southern Kachelo-Usembe areas.

Hesought clarification on the rationale for government to both pay compensation and provide alternative accommodation to affected property owners.

Kefas subsequently directed further review of the options before a final decision is taken.

The governor also decried the absence of proper physical planning in the state, calling for a comprehensive master plan to regulate residential, commercial, industrial and green areas.

“We are suffering these things because this state was not properly planned. So we are to redesign the state, not only here, including the local governments,” he said.

He urged public officials to embrace continuity, responsibility and long-term planning, stressing that successive administrations must build on existing infrastructure and protect government assets.

Kefas commended the two committees for their work, assuring them that their recommendations would be carefully considered and implemented where appropriate.

In response, the committee explained that provision of alternative land was only an option, with the cost deductible from the compensation payable, while its preferred recommendation was for government to pay compensation and allow affected persons to secure alternative accommodation themselves.