Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, on Thursday, officially launched the construction of a 6.4-kilometre dual carriageway in Argungu, a significant infrastructural project valued at over N7.23 billion.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Argungu, marked the beginning of a development initiative that will not only improve road connectivity but also include the installation of drainage systems and solar-powered streetlights.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign pledges.
“As part of our campaign promises, I am proud to announce that we have delivered 50 to 60 per cent of the promises we made to the people. We want our local government headquarters to be at par with others across the country,” the governor stated.
He revealed that the contractors had already been mobilised to the construction site, with 40 per cent of the contract value disbursed in advance.
Idris emphasized that financial provisions had been made to ensure the project’s smooth completion, assuring the public that the risk of project abandonment had been fully mitigated.
“We don’t award contracts without securing the necessary funds. We are committed to completing all projects during this administration,” the governor asserted.
Beyond infrastructure development, Governor Idris highlighted his administration’s broader commitment to public welfare.
“This administration isn’t just about building infrastructure. We are not owing workers’ salaries or gratuities, and we are paying WAEC and NECO fees for our graduating students, as well as providing scholarships for students both within and outside Nigeria,” he said.
The governor also announced that the state government would commence the renovation of the Argungu General Hospital in the coming week, signaling continued investment in health infrastructure.
Furthermore, he encouraged farmers to engage in dry-season farming to mitigate losses from the recent flood disaster that affected large parts of the state’s agricultural sector.
Kebbi State’s Commissioner for Works, Abdullahi Faruq-Muslim, provided further details about the project, noting that Amirco Universal Concept had been awarded the contract at a total cost of N7.23 billion, with an expected completion period of 12 months.
He commended the governor’s administration for selecting a capable and reputable company to execute the work.
The commissioner also took the opportunity to highlight other ongoing projects under the administration, including the dualisation of the Birnin Kebbi-Ambursa Road, the completion of the multi-billion-naira secretariat complex, and the construction of an ultra-modern motor park in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, expressed his gratitude to Governor Idris for prioritizing Argungu in the state’s development agenda.
He also acknowledged the administration’s support for traditional institutions, a sentiment underscored by the Emir’s conferment of the traditional title of “Jigon Kabi” on the governor, presenting him with a symbolic silver sword in appreciation.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Amirco Universal Concept, Dr. Hassan Mahdi, assured stakeholders that the project would be completed ahead of the 12-month timeline, with a target of finishing in just six months.
This accelerated timeline, he noted, would bring the benefits of the road project to the people of Argungu sooner than expected.
