Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Tuesday laid the foundation for a new N68.5 billion state secretariat complex, breaking a 29-year developmental deadlock.
The event followed the recent unveiling of the project’s architectural design and formal signing of the contract with Datum Construction Nigeria Ltd.
Yahaya said the project marked the fulfillment of a vision conceived nearly three decades ago but left uncompleted by successive administrations.
He said the new complex would address the long-standing issue of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) operating from scattered and rented facilities across the state capital.
“The state-of-the-art secretariat is not just a building; it is a statement of our belief that our civil service deserves the very best,” Yahaya said.
According to him, the new complex will house the Office of the Head of Civil Service and four blocks for various ministries.
The governor said the secretariat would also feature remodeled structures, designated parking areas, and other essential facilities.
He added that 40 per cent of the contract sum had been earmarked for initial payment, with completion expected within 95 weeks—well before the end of his administration in May 2027.
Yahaya said the project would incorporate green energy and modern architectural features to promote environmental sustainability and administrative efficiency.
He described the secretariat as a key component of the ongoing Three-Arms Zone initiative, which includes new complexes for the State Assembly and the High Court.
“Our administration has prioritized civil service reforms. This includes regular salary payments, implementation of minimum wage, and establishment of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transportation, Usman Mainama’a Kallamu, praised the governor for initiating a legacy project.
“With this project, the governor will leave the state far better than he met it,” Kallamu said.
Also speaking, the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, said civil servants had operated under poor conditions for decades.
“This iconic structure will redefine the identity and dignity of the Gombe civil service,” he said.
Engr. Ibrahim Najjar, who represented the contractor, Datum Construction Nigeria Ltd., assured the government of timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
The consulting architect, Aisami of Cross Vault Associates Ltd., described the design as a two-storey complex consisting of four main blocks and a separate building for the Head of Service.
