By Sabiu Abdullahi
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has inaugurated the renovation and modernization of the State House of Assembly complex, a project estimated at ₦7.8 billion.
The governor performed the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday, describing the development as part of his administration’s pledge to foster a functional atmosphere for the three arms of government.
“The renovation, remodeling and upgrading of the complex we are witnessing today is a case of equal and just treatment for all the three arms of government which constitute a tripod upon which the government rests,” he said.
Mohammed highlighted the importance of improving the complex to meet the standards expected of such a key institution in governance.
“This project has been awarded at the cost of N7.8 billion for which 50 per cent of the money has already been approved and paid to the contractor and it has a 12 months completion period.
“Indeed, the mutual understanding and respect between the executive and the legislative arms of government has become responsible for the seamless delivery of the dividend of democracy during our time,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, recalled that the assembly complex was constructed during the First Republic, in the tenure of the late Governor Abubakar Tatari-Ali.
Since then, he said, only a single minor renovation took place in 2011.
He said the structure had been the core of legislative work in the state for decades and was long due for comprehensive restoration.
“On behalf of all members of the Bauchi state house of assembly, management staff, and all other workers, I express our sincere gratitude to the governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of not only the legislative infrastructure but the entire infrastructure in the state.
“This renovation signifies not only a physical upgrade but also a renewed dedication to transparency, efficiency and service delivery to our constituents.
“The project will modernise our facilities, enhance our working environment and enable us to better fulfill our constitutional responsibilities and service delivery to our constituents,” he said.
The Speaker also encouraged lawmakers, staff, and residents of Bauchi to see the initiative as a collective investment in governance, democracy, and the state’s future.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kaule, said his ministry, which is in charge of supervising the work, would ensure the contractor maintains the expected quality and delivers the project on schedule.