By Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru
Kebbi State, which has struggled since its creation in 1991 to attain development comparable to its contemporaries, has recently gained renewed attention following the emergence of Dr. Nasir Idris as Governor after his landslide victory in the 2023 general elections.
Despite criticism from opposition elements, Governor Nasir Idris, a trained teacher and active labour leader, was widely regarded by supporters as a leader with the capacity to provide purposeful governance capable of changing the developmental narrative of the state.
His experience as former National President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and Deputy National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is often cited as a strong foundation for his leadership style.
According to a statement issued by Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, who has spent most of his life in Kebbi State, possesses a deep understanding of the people’s needs and the state’s developmental challenges.
The statement further noted his commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian service.
Shortly after assuming office, Governor Idris reportedly developed a comprehensive development blueprint covering all sectors of the economy, focusing on new projects as well as the rehabilitation and completion of inherited abandoned infrastructure in line with his policy of continuity in governance.
Within three years, the administration says it has recorded significant achievements in infrastructure development and economic empowerment, with noticeable impacts on the socio-economic well-being of the people.
A major focus has been the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, where several dilapidated structures have been rehabilitated and modernised.
Among them is the completion of the long-abandoned ultra-modern state secretariat complex.
The facility, now named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat, includes a 2,000-capacity international conference hall, extensive office spaces, and parking facilities for staff and visitors.
Urban renewal projects under the Ministry of Works have also led to the completion and ongoing construction of about fifty inter-town roads across the state.
In addition, major streets in Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru have been expanded, dualised, and beautified, while street lighting has been installed in key locations.
The 87-kilometre Koko–Zuru federal road, previously abandoned, has also been taken over and is currently under construction by the state government.
In transportation, the administration constructed an ultra-modern international motor park in Birnin Kebbi and commissioned it alongside the distribution of 50 brand-new buses to ease transportation challenges and enhance connectivity within and outside the state, including links with neighbouring Niger and Benin Republic.
In agriculture, the government introduced targeted support for farmers through the provision of fertiliser, improved seeds, solar-powered irrigation pumps, power tillers, and financial assistance aimed at boosting food production and rural livelihoods.
The education sector, described as one of the most challenged at inception, has witnessed major intervention.
According to the statement, the administration has cleared over N16 billion in inherited scholarship debts, rehabilitated and equipped over 1,000 schools, constructed and furnished more than 60 new schools, and recruited over 2,000 teachers.
The retirement age for teachers was also extended from 35 to 40 years of service and from 60 to 65 years of age.
In the civil service, efforts have been made to clear outstanding debts while ensuring prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities, and death benefits.
Traditional institutions have also received attention, with the renovation of palaces and provision of vehicles and logistical support to traditional rulers to complement security efforts in their domains.
In support of security and mobility, the administration reportedly provided over 100 Hilux vehicles and 7,000 motorcycles to security-related operations and community support initiatives.
A special poverty alleviation programme was also introduced, involving the First Lady, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, and Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, who focused on supporting widows, orphans, and vulnerable groups with food items, clothing, and skills acquisition programmes, with beneficiaries receiving start-up capital after training.
As the administration approaches its third anniversary and political attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 elections, supporters continue to express satisfaction with Governor Nasir Idris’ leadership, describing his tenure as transformative and expressing confidence in his continued service delivery.