Mohamed Garba
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Tuesday flagged off the construction of a new N68.58 billion state secretariat complex, marking a major step in his administration’s infrastructure overhaul aimed at modernizing governance in Gombe State.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Gombe city, Yahaya described the project as long overdue, noting that the current secretariat—built nearly three decades ago—no longer meets the demands of a growing public service.
“This project is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about our commitment to efficient service delivery and creating a work environment that inspires productivity and professionalism,” the governor said.
The new complex, designed as a state-of-the-art administrative hub, will house five major blocks, including a dedicated building for the Head of Service and four other structures capable of accommodating four ministries each. The design also includes the remodeling of existing buildings, modern external works, and essential supporting infrastructure.
Set for completion in 102 weeks, the secretariat is part of Yahaya’s broader vision to create a “Three-Arms Zone” that will centralize the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial institutions. With ongoing construction of the State House of Assembly and State High Court, the new secretariat completes the triangle.
According to Yahaya, this centralized approach is expected to enhance inter-agency collaboration, cut overhead costs, and improve public sector performance.
The governor urged contractors to adhere strictly to the project’s specifications and timelines, promising that his administration would maintain close oversight to ensure high-quality delivery.
The groundbreaking comes as part of events marking Yahaya’s sixth year in office. As part of the celebration, the governor also toured several ongoing projects across the state. These include the Gombe Mega College, the Gombe-Ashaka–FCE(T) Road, the State House of Assembly and Judiciary Complexes, and the new Mechanic Village.
“This is about laying a solid foundation for the future,” Yahaya said. “We are building institutions, not just infrastructure.”
The move has drawn praise from civil servants and residents alike, many of whom see the project as a long-needed investment in the state’s administrative backbone.
