The secretary to the Kebbi government, Yakubu Bala-Tafida, has urged civil servants in the state to reciprocate Governor Nasir Idris’ gesture by ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.

Mr Bala-Tafida made the call on Monday during the formal inauguration of the new multibillion-naira state secretariat completed by the present administration in Birnin Kebbi.

Speaking to journalists shortly after assuming office in the new complex, the SSG stressed the need for workers to show appreciation for the huge investment made in completing the project, which had previously been abandoned.

“We thank Almighty Allah for granting the governor the wisdom, courage and ability to complete this project. As you can see, this is my office, and all ministries are now accommodated here. We are indeed very grateful,” he said.

He assured that the edifice would comfortably accommodate about 25,000 workers and urged civil servants to ensure proper maintenance of the facility for their benefit and that of the state.

The state head of the civil service, Malami Shekare, commended the governor for various initiatives aimed at improving workers’ welfare in the state.

Mr Shekare listed some of the achievements in the civil service, including the approval and implementation of a N75,000 minimum wage for all categories of workers, the regularisation of casual workers to permanent status, and the recruitment of qualified and agile teachers and nurses, among others.

On the maintenance of the new structure, Mr Shekare disclosed that the government would assign the responsibility to a company to ensure proper upkeep of the edifice.

In his remarks, the chief executive officer of M-Tech Nigeria Limited, Manir Jega, whose company executed the project, appreciated the governor for awarding the contract to an indigenous firm.

He noted that the opportunity given to the company and its ability to deliver a standard project within schedule had demonstrated that indigenous contractors were capable of handling major projects not only in the state but across Nigeria and beyond.

(NAN)