In an oversight survey conducted by Yakubu Ahmed Commissioner of Information and Culture, Kebbi State he highlighted some major keypoints faced by 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.
The project which was said to have stalled by two previous administrations, leading many to believe it was jinxed, destined to remain unfinished, a victim of bureaucratic inertia.
The construction of the Secretariat began in 2012 during the administration of Saidu Nasamu Dakingari, with an initial budget of 3.7 billion Naira with the administration of Atiku Bagudu minimal funding toward invested in an effort to mollify public demand for completion. Which costs over 7 billion Naira eventually reaching around 12 billion Naira.
With Kebbi state uniquely lacking its own secretariat, and the prospect of enhancing the town’s appearance motivated residents to advocate for its advancement, governor Nasir Idris made the Secretariat’s completion a priority during his electioneering campaign, 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 proposaly quoted to an exorbitant 21 billion Naira
The Governor flatly rejected the offer, using local firms of Engineer Manir Jega’s M-Tech Nigeria limited and ZBCC Construction Company, he encouraged them to submit competitive bids.
Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of empowering local contractors to build capacity, reduce capital flight, and stimulate the state’s economy.
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 all specifications and meeting public expectations.
This achievement underscores two key points: a courageous governor who turned promises into reality, and the maturation of local contractors who are now capable of rivaling their international counterparts.
It also highlights the critical role of electing leaders who challenge the status quo in pursuit of progress. With Dr. Nasir Idris at the forefront, Kebbi is poised for a brighter future, marking a departure from past shortcomings.
