By Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State Head of Civil Service (HoS), Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, has lauded Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya for initiating the construction of the second phase of the State Secretariat complex, stating that the project is poised to eliminate the state government’s annual spending of over N600 million on office rents for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The HoS disclosed this while addressing newsmen in his office in Gombe, emphasising the significance of the ongoing infrastructure development as a transformative milestone in the state’s public sector administration.
He said, “The state spends over N600 million each year on rented office spaces for MDAs. Unfortunately, we’ve had situations where landlords reclaimed their properties, leading to disruptions in operations and forcing MDAs to relocate.”
According to him, the annual spending of millions on renting office spaces was due to the lack of a comprehensive secretariat since the creation of the state. He added that the existing secretariat, which was built during the military administration in the state, only accommodates two ministries and the office of the HoS, leaving other offices scattered across the state capital.
He emphasised that the new secretariat would improve administrative efficiency, enhance governance, and reduce operational costs for the state. “The new edifice is expected to house 16 ministries and the office of the Head of Service. While it may not accommodate all MDAs, it will undoubtedly end the era of recurrent rent payments,” he stated.
He further clarified that while the secretariat expansion will address the pressing need for centralised government offices, it is part of a broader infrastructure optimisation strategy. “The government has several buildings already occupied by MDAs. Those in structurally sound and functional facilities will continue operations there, while those currently renting private properties will be relocated to the new secretariat once completed.”