By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
For over sixteen years, Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, wore the look of an upgraded local government headquarters—bereft of the critical infrastructure that defines a state capital. In the eyes of residents and visitors alike, the capital lagged far behind its peers created before or after it. While other states boasted state-of-the-art facilities and modern layouts, Kebbi’s capital remained underdeveloped and often the subject of ridicule.
Successive administrations appeared to pay little attention to Birnin Kebbi, leaving the capital city dry and forgotten in terms of development. That is, until the emergence of Governor Nasir Idris, whose tenure has triggered a massive infrastructural transformation in the state.
Governor Idris’s Infrastructure Revolution
In less than two years, Governor Idris has aggressively tackled the infrastructure deficit in Birnin Kebbi and across the state. Appalled by the state of disrepair, he embarked on an ambitious development agenda that began with the construction of over 20 major roads within the capital city.
One of the landmark projects is the dual carriageway from Bulasa to the “Welcome to Birnin Kebbi” gateway. Equipped with solar-powered streetlights and a state-of-the-art landscaped roundabout, this entrance now leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Today, Birnin Kebbi boasts at least ten modern roundabouts, similar to those seen in Nigeria’s major urban centers—finally giving the state capital the facelift it desperately needed.
Infrastructure Beyond the Capital
Governor Idris’s vision extends beyond Birnin Kebbi. In an effort to ensure even distribution of infrastructure, he has constructed new roads in Argungu, Yauri, Kamba/Bani Zumbui, and the 17-kilometer Koko/Dabai Road—a federal-standard road the state government took over due to its significance to the people of Zuru.
No fewer than 50 standard bridges have been constructed across Kebbi State to connect rural villages with urban centers, facilitate movement, and mitigate flooding.
Boosting Commerce and Travel
In a strategic move to boost interstate trade and ease movement, Governor Idris oversaw the construction of a modern motor park in the capital. This facility accommodates over 200 commercial vehicles, features a fully functional guest house, shopping malls, and retail shops—all powered by 24-hour solar electricity for enhanced security and night travel.
This transformation, backed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, reflects a clear departure from the norm. The administration’s resolve is not only bridging years of neglect but also redefining the urban experience in Kebbi State.
As the projects continue to unfold, many believe Kebbi is finally catching up with its contemporaries—and perhaps, even setting the pace for infrastructure development in the Northwest.
