By Abdullahi Idris Zuru
Kebbi State Government’s multi billion naira ultramodern Secretariat complex, is among the abandoned capital intensive projects inherited by Governor Comrade Nasir Idris.
It was initiated by the administration of Governor Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari in 2012, based on the need for adequate office accommodation and the necessity of providing comfortable working environment that will ensure effective services delivery.
The architectural design was a master piece which eventually translated into a model complex, comparatively among the best in the country.
However, the project could not be completed by the then administration before the expiration of its tenure in 2015. Since then, it remained a white elephant project for nine years until the advent of Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu’s administration in 2023.
With apparent desire to confront the administrative challenges in the state civil service, occasioned by inadequate and convenient office accommodation, Governor Nasir resolved that the project deserved immediate attention and such considered it his second priority, after given Birnin Kebbi a comprehensive face lift befitting a state capital.
The Governor’s decision must have been informed by his strong belief in the comfort of worker’s which is a prerequisite for improved productivity. The Governor’s rightful decision must have been the product of his background as a rugged unionist who rose from the bottom to the top of the leadership in active unionism, having served as Kebbi State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers( NUT) to the position of the National President and eventually Deputy National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC).
Determined to complete the project for effective utilisation, the Governor invited the contractor for discussion on way forward, but was reported to have rejected the completion bill of non negotiable cost of N24 billion as against the initial cost of N3 billion naira and last review of N 7 billion total contract sum.
In his own wisdom, Comrade Kaura decided to give some indigenous construction firms the opportunity to showcase their capacity in building industry which led to the selection of M-Tech Universal Concept Nigeria limited and Zuru Building and Construction Company (ZBCC) for the completion of the abandoned project.
After thorough assessment of the level of work and requirements for completion, the companies, after critical analysis and thorough negotiations, submitted a bill of N10. billion to the state government with an agreement for eighteen months completion period. To ensure timely completion and quality execution, Governor kauran Gwandu embarked on regular surprise visits to the project site to ensure that government gets value for its money.
The Managing Director of Mtech Universal Concept Arc. Manir Musa Jega has at several occasions assured the Governor of quality structures and timely completion of the project based on the approved design and specification.
With the completion of the structural part, the complex is now being furnished with state- of-the art modern facilities, preparatory to the formal handover to the state government.
Giving the details on the capacity and utilisation plan, the Head of Kebbi State Civil Service Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena said the over fifty Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the state government will be accommodated in the secretariat. This is in addition to the offices of the Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Head of the State Civil Service and a one thousand people capacity conference hall of international standard equipped with modern furniture and communication facilities. According to him, bringing together the civil servants under one umbrella, will undoubtedly simplify the business of governance, increase productivity, promote unity of purpose and fastrack execution of government developmental programmes and policies.
Already, it has been confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted Governor Comrade’s invitation to commission the landmark project and possibly inspect some ongoing economically and socially viable projects in the state capital.
It is interesting to note that the location of the complex has provided an opportunity for the creation of employment opportunities for the employable youths and enhance synergy between the federal and state governments departments and Agencies. The edifice is strategically located along Sani Abacha bye pass express way,one of the major streets in the state capital that were recently expanded and beautified. It is also located very close to the state command of the Department of State Security, Nigeria Police Force, Immigration service, Customs Service, Nigeria Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), departments of the federal Ministries of Agriculture and Works, apart from it’s proximity to Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
Similarly, it’s surrounded by thousands of undeveloped residential and commercial plots whose value will now considerably increase and expected to be developed for residential and business. It is envisaged that socioeconomic viable businesses such as multi purpose plazas, restaurants, recreational centres, petroleum Stations hotels, housing estates and private schools would eventually transformed the area to a modern mega city.
The Ultra modern secretariat complex and several others across the state have been completed. Similarly, execution of many peoples oriented projects and programmes in different sectors are either on going or have been flag off all within one year. With these catalogue of development, Governor Comrade Kaura could be seen to have undoubtedly unfolded a logical road map towards turning around the socioeconomic and political fortunes of the state.
He has also demonstrated unshaken devotion to selfless and result oriented services.
It is therefore worth acknowledging and equally commending the Governor’s unambiguous direction and clear focused on effective Service delivery, accountability and transparency in governance.
Therefore, it will be an understatement to say that Governor Kaura enjoys solid support and unquestionable loyalty of both the elected and appointed political office holders and indeed the citizens of the state with developmental consciousness and patriotic interests.
This uncommon commitment to the well-being of the people and glaring sincerity of purpose of his administration have justifiably earned him people’s trust and confidence and now being regarded as a selfless and compassionate leader.
It is evidently clear to the people of Kebbi state, particularly the growing membership of the ruling party, the APC, that Comrade Governor Nasir Kauran Gwandu remain the generally endorsed and indisputably considered the leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kebbi state.
Abdullahi Idris Zuru a journalist , opinion moulder and public analyst writes from Birnin Kebbi.
