Birnin Kebbi, June 2, 2026 – The Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor, Abdullahi Zuru, says Governor Nasir Idris’ achievements in office are largely driven by his strong connection with the grassroots and his experience as a former labour leader.
Zuru made the remarks in a statement made available on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, noting that the governor’s close relationship with residents across communities has helped him better understand their needs and development priorities.
He explained that Kebbi State, since its creation in 1991, had struggled to match the developmental pace of other states, but said a shift became visible following Idris’ assumption of office after his decisive victory in the 2023 general elections.
According to him, critics had initially underestimated the governor, describing him as a teacher and unionist, but his background has proven valuable in delivering leadership focused on development.
Zuru highlighted Idris’ previous roles as National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), saying these positions strengthened his ability to manage people and resources effectively.
He added that the governor’s lifelong connection to Kebbi State, combined with philanthropic engagement and public service experience, has shaped his understanding of the state’s challenges and opportunities.
The adviser noted that these factors informed the development blueprint currently guiding the administration, which he said prioritises infrastructure renewal, empowerment programmes and continuity in governance.
He stated that several ongoing and completed projects across the state reflect what he described as significant progress in socio-economic development, particularly in infrastructure upgrades and public welfare initiatives.
In Birnin Kebbi, Zuru said the administration focused initially on urban renewal, including the rehabilitation of dilapidated structures and the expansion of key road networks fitted with solar-powered streetlights.
He also cited the completion of the state secretariat complex, which had been abandoned for years, alongside the construction and beautification of major roads that have transformed the appearance of the capital.
According to him, similar development projects have been extended to towns such as Argungu, Yauri and Zuru, where road expansion and infrastructure rehabilitation are ongoing or completed.
Zuru further mentioned the reconstruction of the 87-kilometre Koko–Dabai–Zuru road, which the state government took over to ensure completion after years of abandonment.
He added that the administration has also invested in education and healthcare, including the establishment of modern secondary schools, upgrades of referral hospitals across emirate headquarters, and rehabilitation of numerous general hospitals.
The adviser said the government has continued to implement urban renewal projects across the state, including the construction of inter-town roads and the development of transport infrastructure such as a modern motor park in Birnin Kebbi, supported with new transport buses to improve mobility.
On agriculture, he noted that farmers have benefited from inputs such as fertiliser, improved seeds, irrigation equipment and financial support aimed at boosting productivity and rural livelihoods.
Zuru also said the administration has addressed inherited education-related challenges by settling scholarship debts, rehabilitating schools, recruiting teachers and improving conditions of service for education workers.
In the civil service, he said efforts were ongoing to clear outstanding gratuities while ensuring regular payment of salaries and pensions.
He further stated that traditional institutions in the state had also received attention through infrastructural support and logistical assistance aimed at strengthening governance and security coordination.
Zuru maintained that the combined impact of these initiatives reflects what he described as steady progress under the Idris administration, driven by experience, grassroots engagement and labour movement background.