By Hajara Leman

The Gombe Government says the new state secretariat complex project, initiated by the Gov. Inuwa Yahaya administration, will save over N600 million rent.

Yahaya recently performed the groundbreaking of the N68.58 billion new state secretariat complex project in Gombe metropolis.

The state’s Head of Service, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullah, said the project was designed to provide office accommodation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), hitherto operating on rental facilities.

He described the edifice as one of the most impactful infrastructure investments in the history of the state.

Abdullah noted that inadequate office spaces has been a source of concern to the government, forcing it to spend over N600 million on payment of annual rent for the MDAs.

“The current secretariat constructed about 29 years ago, accommodates only two ministries and the Office of the Head of Service.

“In the last three years, the government has been paying more than N600 million annually on rented spaces, a cost that is simply unsustainable.

“This new complex is not only situated in a strategic location but also poised to be one of the best in the country. It’s a legacy project that will serve generations yet unborn,” he said.

Abdullah said the project, when completed, would centralise the operations of the MDAs under one roof, boost administrative efficiency, inter-agency collaboration, and staff productivity.

On workers welfare, the HoS said the Yahaya administration had paid N17 billion out of the N21 billion backlog of gratuities inherited from previous administrations, and introduced health insurance scheme, to enhance access to quality healthcare services.

“We have never seen this level of commitment to the civil servants’ welfare, from infrastructure to healthcare and pensions, the governor has set a new standard,” he said.

While urging the workers to reciprocate the gesture with dedication to duty, Abdullah said the civil service reforms and investments are designed to empower them and encourage effective service delivery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali