The Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmad-BK, said the newly completed secretariat complex is a triumph of determination of the state governor, Nasir Idris’ progressive will.

Mr Ahmad-BK stated this while briefing journalists on the state of the new multibillion naira ultra-modern state secretariat complex in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

He said, “With over 22,000 civil servants, many of them operating within the confines of Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, the need for a functional and efficient workplace has become paramount – and the newly completed secretariat complex stands as a testament to that need.’’

Mr Ahmad-BK recalled that the project had been stalled by two successive administrations, adding, “This led to many believing it was bad luck, destined to remain unfinished, and a victim of bureaucratic laziness. Unhappy with the fact that Kebbi had been without a secretariat of its own, Governor Idris took a bold step by establishing 27 ministries, each with its own commissioner. Without a centralised location, it would have been nearly impossible to coordinate efforts among these ministries. Staff faced challenges of transporting documents between various sites, resulting in lost productivity, increased costs, and potential breaches of confidentiality.’’

The commissioner recalled that the construction of the secretariat began in 2012 during the administration of former governor Sa’idu Dakingari, with an initial budget of N3.7 billion.

“Work ceased multiple times until that administration concluded without completing the project. The administration of Atiku Bagudu came and went, providing minimal funding toward the end of its tenure, investing less than a billion naira in a last-ditch effort to mollify public demand for completion. At one point, total costs ballooned to over N7 billion, eventually reaching around N12 billion,” the commissioner said.

Mr Ahmad-BK explained further that the people of Kebbi State regardless of political leaning were united in their common desire to have it completed, especially considering the billions of naira already spent.

He stated that the agitation was because the state uniquely lacked its own secretariat, adding that the prospect of enhancing the town’s appearance also motivated residents to advocate its advancement.

He stated, “Recognising this sentiment, Governor Idris made the secretariat’s completion a priority during his electioneering, vowing to bring it to fruition upon election. Once in office, he resurrected the plans for the complex and reached out to the original foreign contractors for a completion proposal. To his surprise, they quoted an exorbitant N21 billion. The governor flatly rejected the offer, turning instead to local firms, M-Tech Nigeria and ZBCC Construction Company, encouraging them to submit competitive bids. Idris emphasised the importance of empowering local contractors to build capacity, reduce capital flight, and stimulate the state’s economy.’’

The commissioner expressed delight that in a remarkable turn, the two local companies presented a combined bid of just over N10 billion.

“True to their word, they finished the project ahead of schedule, adhering to specifications and meeting public expectations. The achievement underscored the governor as being courageous, who turned promises into reality, and the maturation of local contractors who are now capable of rivalling their international counterparts,” Mr Ahmad-BK said.

According to him, it also highlights the critical role of electing leaders who challenge the status quo in pursuit of progress.

(NAN)