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Alhaji Yakubu Ahmad BK, is the Commissioner for Information and Culture in Kebbi State. A seasoned journalist and Public Affairs commentator, he speaks on why Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, prioritised the completion of the Kebbi Secretariat Complex, which was started in 2012. He also spoke on other issues of interest.
Excerpts:
Why did Governor Idris prioritise the completion of the completion of the secretariat complex?
The project had been stalled by two previous administrations, leading many to believe it was jinxed, destined to remain unfinished, a victim of bureaucratic inertia. 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 becomes paramount – and the newly completed Secretariat Complex stands as a testament to that need.
The governor was unhappy with the fact that Kebbi had been without a secretariat of its own. So, he 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. Recognising this sentiment, Dr. Nasir Idris made the completion of the secretariat a priority during his electioneering, vowing to bring it to fruition upon being elected.
Who started the project and at what cost?
The construction of the secretariat began in 2012 during the administration of Saidu Nasamu Dakingari, with an initial budget of N3.7 billion. Work ceased multiple times until that administration completed its term 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. Due to a lack of political will, the project faced long periods of neglect. The people of Kebbi State, regardless of their political leanings were united in their common desire to have it completed having already witnessed billions spent on the project.
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. Dr. Idris emphasised the importance of empowering local contractors to build capacity, reduce capital flight, and stimulate the state’s economy. In a remarkable turn of event, 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 rivalling 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. Having experienced effective governance, the people of Kebbi will be less likely to be cajoled by any sentiment to elect mediocre leadership at a time everyone’s eyes are opened to a leadership of courage and delivery.
Recently, the Igbo Community in Kebbi State pledged their support for the continuation of Governor Nasir Idris’ administration beyond 2027. Has the campaign begun?
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No, no one is campaigning. They only expressed satisfaction about the peaceful coexistence between the Ndigbo and their host communities under the Kauran Gwandu-led APC government, highlighting the appointment of Chief Osita Mgbeafuluba as Special Adviser to the Governor on Other Tribes as a testament to the administration’s inclusivity mantra. And they chose the occasion of the distribution of 300 bags of 25kg rice donated by the Governor to the Igbo community in Birnin Kebbi, to express their solidarity. The Eze Igbo of Gwandu Emirate, Eze (Ozo) Emeka Emeson Okafor, commended Governor Idris for his generosity and commitment to all tribes in the state. Specifically, he noted that ‘Kauran Gwandu has provided food for our people, and we are deeply grateful. His kindness is well known, and we will continue to support his administration.’
Eze Okafor also praised the Governor’s achievements in infrastructure and human capital development, pledging unwavering support from the Igbo community for his future political aspirations. He also seized the occasion to further appealed to the Governor to issue an Executive Order for the refurbishment of the Igbo Meeting Hall in Birnin Kebbi, which he noted, is currently in a state of disrepair.
On the occasion, was the Governor Idris’ political appointee of Igbo extraction, Chief Osita Mgbeafuluba, who reaffirmed the Igbos’ commitment to Kebbi’s development under the governor. Like the Eze, he noted that ‘Comrade Nasir Idris is the first Nigerian Governor to show such generosity to the Igbo community. He is our father, and we are proud of him. We stand with him 100 percent for 2027.’
Kebbi State, like most other states in the North is blessed with Solid mineral deposits. How is the government harnessing the potential?
Well, in light of the significant solid mineral deposits found across all 21 Local Government Areas of Kebbi State, the government’s focus on utilising these resources is not just strategic; it is essential for escaping the economic challenges that have hindered the state’s progress towards prosperity. The traditional over-reliance on oil revenues and the easy financial gains they bring has impeded sustainable development efforts, leaving many states, including our own, grappling with stagnation. Let me add that, apart from the 25 previously identified mineral deposits, five new mineral endowments have been discovered during Dr. Nasir Idris administration’s first two years in office. This government has demonstrated a proactive approach in promoting these opportunities to attract both domestic and international investment. As a result, we are witnessing increased interest from various investors eager to explore Kebbi’s rich mineral resources. Interactions with potential investors from Europe, South America, and Asia have opened the door for critical investments that could redefine the state’s economic landscape to flow in. A notable highlight is the burgeoning interest from a Chinese company aiming to invest 330 million dollars to establish a lithium factory in Yauri. Kebbi is replete with abundant lithium deposits found in several local government areas of the state. This investment is projected to generate over 5,000 jobs, demonstrating the transformative potential of harnessing our solid mineral resources. The commitment of Governor Nasir Idris and his team, who have travelled extensively to forge international partnerships, is now yielding tangible results.
Finally, what is the government doing about agriculture in the state?
Well, Kebbi State is also endowed with fertile land and abundant water resources, making it ideal for agricultural production. The extensive river systems that weave through the state not only support farming but also contribute to Kebbi’s status as the leading livestock and food production hub in Nigeria. All along, leadership deficit had robbed the state of achieving a head start in efforts to utilise its resources to develop beyond its current sorry state. With the right leadership as exemplified by the forward-looking APC administration and strategic investments, Kebbi has the potential to eradicate hunger, reduce economic hardship, and elevate the living standards of its inhabitants. Moreover, the Kebbi State government has strategically sought collaboration with investors from Asian nations, particularly Indonesia, and from South America especially Brazil to benefit from advanced livestock production technologies. Given Kebbi’s vast potential in livestock farming, there is a strong emphasis on improving yield and efficiency, especially in milk and meat production. Kebbi is home to one of Nigeria’s largest population of livestock.
The Indonesian approach to animal husbandry, which incorporates innovative techniques for genetic interventions, livestock fattening and enhancing reproductive practices, is a model that Kebbi is keen to adopt. The visit of the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria Dr. Usra Harahap to Kebbi, accompanied by specialists, underscores the significance of this collaboration.
During their December 2024 visit, discussions led to agreements focused on initiating an artificial insemination and embryo transfer program—a groundbreaking project poised to revolutionise livestock production in the state. The engagement has already seen Kebbi State-indigenous veterinary doctors receiving training in Indonesia, which has prepared them to implement these advanced practices in the state. The enthusiasm expressed by the Indonesian delegation regarding Kebbi’s livestock markets and the diligence of local Fulani communities further cements the belief that this partnership can yield substantial benefits. By merging Kebbi’s rich agricultural background with Indonesian livestock technology, the state stands on the brink of a significant transformation and breakthrough in its meat and dairy industries.
While Governor Nasir Idris has already implemented promises regarding the infrastructure necessary for economic development, his strategic vision and analytical approach will be vital in facilitating Kebbi’s ascent. Historically, Kebbi has faced challenges due to inadequate leadership and an overdependence on oil revenues. This dependence has contributed to economic instability and has exacerbated social issues, including unemployment and crime, fuelled by a growing population of youths lacking modern skills to melt into revolutionary global practices for advancement. This is bound to change as these collaborative policies begin to take shape. The remaining two years of Dr. Idris’s first term—and the possibility of an additional four-year term—hold immense promise for Kebbi State. There is a clear trajectory towards harnessing our abundant natural resources and cultivating an economy that is resilient, innovative, and integrated into the global market. As the world increasingly turns to sustainable practices and technological advancements, Kebbi is positioned to emerge as a key player in Nigeria’s economic renaissance.
