Tafawa Balewa: New Photos Show Transformation of Nigeria’s 1st Prime Minister's Tomb

Tafawa Balewa: New Photos Show Transformation of Nigeria’s 1st Prime Minister's Tomb

  • The North East Development Commission NEDC completed the rehabilitation of the tomb of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi state
  • Uba Maigari Ahmadu Minister of State for Regional Development led the NEDC board and management on an inspection tour of the upgraded complex
  • The project upgraded the museum library tomb reception block and public conveniences to preserve Nigeria’s first Prime Minister’s legacy

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has completed the rehabilitation of the tomb of Nigeria’s first prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, unveiling significant upgrades to the historic site.

The tomb is located in Bauchi state.

The North East Development Commission completes rehabilitation work on the tomb of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in Bauchi state.
The NEDC finalises rehabilitation of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s tomb in Bauchi state. Photo credit: Keystone/Hulton Archive
Source: Getty Images

The minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, on Thursday, February 5, led members of the NEDC Board and Management on an inspection tour of the facility, where newly released photographs showed visible improvements to the complex.

Tafawa Balewa: Key facilities upgraded

Speaking during the visit, Ahmadu said the rehabilitation covered critical sections of the site, including the museum, library, the tomb itself, the reception block, and newly improved public conveniences for both men and women.

Read also

FG Inaugurates OGFZA Board, Targets Double-Digit Economic Growth by 2030

“The intervention focused on restoring and upgrading key components of this historic facility to meet acceptable standards,” the minister said.

Preserving Tafawa Balewa’s legacy

Ahmadu explained that the project was designed to preserve the legacy of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa while ensuring that the site remains accessible and relevant to the public, Daily Trust reported.

“This is about honouring our history and safeguarding the memory of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister for present and future generations,” he said.

Boost for tourism and education

According to the minister, the rehabilitation is also expected to enhance tourism and educational activities in Bauchi state and the wider North-East region.

“The improved facilities will encourage educational visits, research, and tourism, while strengthening national pride and historical consciousness,” Ahmadu added.

NEDC reaffirms commitment to heritage projects

The NEDC said the project aligns with its broader mandate of regional development, which includes cultural preservation alongside infrastructure and social development.

Read also

Wike sends message to FCT residents ahead of LG elections, “The only way”

The tomb of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, undergoes rehabilitation by the North East Development Commission in Bauchi state.
The North East Development Commission carries out rehabilitation of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s tomb in Bauchi state. Photo credit: @NEDCOfficialNg
Source: Twitter

Officials at the site expressed optimism that the upgraded tomb complex would attract more visitors and serve as a fitting monument to one of Nigeria’s most respected founding leaders, The Cable reported.

Buhari’s grave has a new look

Recall that the grave of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, at age 82, in a London hospital after a prolonged illness, got a new look.

An X user identified as A. Ayofe, @abdullahayofel, disclosed this in a post shared on his social media page on Friday, July 18, 2025. The post, accompanied by photos, read:

"The Grave of Late President Muhammadu Buhari Has a New Look!❤️🕊️."

Transformation of Buhari’s resting place

Previously, Legit.ng reported that the governor of Katsina state and some of his senior government officials visited the graveyard of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Governor Dr Dikko Umar Radda and others offered prayers for the soul of the late Nigerian leader at his Daura hometown on Monday, September 8, 2025.

The special assistant to Buhari on Digital Communications, Ahmad Bashir, disclosed this via his X handle @BashirAhmaad, sharing photos of the transformation of Buhari’s graveyard.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944

Tags: