Governor’s Concerns Over AGILE Project Performance in Kebbi
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has voiced his disappointment regarding the performance of the AGILE project within the state. This concern was shared during a meeting with the AGILE team, led by Task Team Leader Shinsaku Nomura, at Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
AGILE, an initiative supported by the World Bank, stands for Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment. It is designed to improve secondary education opportunities for girls in targeted states. The project emphasizes creating safe learning environments, fostering supportive ecosystems, and offering life skills and digital literacy training to empower adolescent girls.
During the meeting, Governor Idris expressed his dissatisfaction with how the project is progressing in Kebbi. He stated, “I am not impressed with the way AGILE work in Kebbi is moving. Let me be very frank with you.” As a former teacher, he emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, adding, “If I see something, no matter what I will say it, even if it affects me.”
He also mentioned that upon taking office, he removed previous personnel due to inefficiencies. “That’s why when I came newly, I removed the people that were there before,” he said.
The governor highlighted concerns over a contract valued at approximately N7.8 billion, which was awarded despite claims that no one in Kebbi was qualified. “I said no, it can’t happen, even if it happened before, not during my time. Every category of contractor you are looking for, you will get it in Kebbi,” he insisted.
Idris raised further concerns about the location of the bidding process for the contract, which took place in Yauri instead of the state capital. “They are very secretive, very cultist, I say no let them be transparent. We are in a democracy not an autocracy or a dictatorship,” he remarked. He emphasized that citizens should not be denied their rights and criticized the lack of progress on certain contracts.
One specific example cited by the governor was a contract along Gwandu road, which had started before he became governor but remained unfinished. “That contract is still there; let’s be seeing doing the correct thing,” he said.
As the only Teacher-Governor in Nigeria, Idris expressed a personal interest in the AGILE project. “I don’t want a situation where Kebbi is left behind,” he added.
Collaboration and Progress
Earlier in the day, the task team leader, Shinsaku Nomura, praised the governor for the hospitality extended to the team. Nomura acknowledged the role of the Kebbi Government in the AGILE project and noted that the World Bank appreciates the partnership with Kebbi.
During their visit, the team inspected several schools’ construction sites across the state. Nomura confirmed that the AGILE project is currently ongoing in 18 states of the federation.
Key Points of Discussion
- Transparency and Accountability: Governor Idris stressed the importance of transparency in government operations, especially in contract awards.
- Local Capacity: He emphasized that Kebbi has the necessary expertise and resources to handle large contracts.
- Project Progress: The governor raised concerns about the slow progress of some AGILE-related projects in the state.
- Democratic Values: He reiterated the need for democratic governance and fair treatment of citizens.
- Collaboration with AGILE: The task team leader praised the Kebbi Government’s efforts and highlighted the ongoing nature of the project.