The Kebbi State Government has successfully completed 25 major infrastructure projects, with seven others at advanced stages of execution and 19 new contracts awarded, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, has announced.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, Ahmed-BK said the administration’s infrastructure scorecard reflects a broad range of interventions covering road construction, office complexes, transport terminals, drainage networks, bridges and other critical public infrastructure.
He explained that the briefing was intended to provide an appraisal of Governor Nasir Idris’ infrastructural achievements as his administration approaches its third anniversary in office.
According to the commissioner, the projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises and addressing longstanding infrastructure deficits that have hindered the state’s development.
He stressed that road infrastructure and other essential public assets are critical to unlocking Kebbi’s economic potential, improving access to social services, facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce, attracting private investment and strengthening security and emergency response.
Ahmed-BK lamented the deplorable condition of the road network inherited by the administration, noting that years of neglect had left many communities poorly connected and public infrastructure in a state of disrepair. He recalled that Governor Idris had pledged during his electioneering campaign to reverse the situation through sustained investment in infrastructure.
He observed that the administration’s extensive road construction and rehabilitation efforts had significantly eased transportation difficulties, improved connectivity and opened up rural communities to greater socioeconomic activities.
“The projects are there for the people to verify,” the commissioner asserted.
Highlighting some of the newly awarded contracts, Ahmed-BK mentioned the rehabilitation of the Birnin Lafiya–Gulma–Natsini Road and the construction of access roads and drainage infrastructure behind Azbir Arena.
He disclosed that the Birnin Lafiya–Gulma–Natsini Road, spanning 32.7 kilometres across Argungu Local Government Area, had been awarded with a stipulated completion period of 12 months.
The commissioner also identified the newly constructed Central Motor Park in Birnin Kebbi as a notable example of infrastructure designed to deliver both public benefits and economic returns. He described the former motor park as an eyesore that had become a source of embarrassment to residents and visitors.
He explained that a modern motor park serves purposes beyond aesthetics, functioning as a strategic economic hub capable of boosting internally generated revenue, creating employment opportunities and stimulating commercial activities.
Ahmed-BK further noted that the establishment of the Kebbi State Transportation Authority (KSTA), the acquisition of mass transit buses and the development of the modern motor park had collectively transformed the state’s transportation system, improved service delivery and created employment opportunities.
He emphasised that infrastructure investment was particularly important to Kebbi State because of its agrarian economy and growing opportunities in solid minerals development.
According to him, sustained investment in roads and drainage systems would strengthen agricultural value chains, facilitate trade and commerce, improve market access and position Kebbi as a more attractive destination for investors.
The commissioner called on residents to support the administration’s continuity agenda, arguing that a second term for Governor Idris would provide an opportunity to consolidate existing achievements and expand the scope of development across the state.
“Gov. Nasir Idris has demonstrated the capacity to lead, the commitment to address challenges and the courage to deliver results,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that sustained investment in infrastructure would accelerate economic growth, increase productivity and significantly improve the quality of life of the people of Kebbi State.
