By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has officially flagged off the renovation and upgrading of the Bauchi State House of Assembly complex at the cost of 7.8 billion Naira with 50 percent of the funds already disbursed to the contractor.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Assembly premises Governor Bala Mohammed, described the project as part of his administration’s broader commitment to institutional strengthening across all arms of government.
The Governor noted that the project was not merely infrastructural but a symbolic representation of equal respect and strategic investment in the legislative arm of government.
He stated that for nearly 20 years, the complex has not undergone any meaningful renovation, pointing out that it is the very heart of the state’s legislative process.
Governor Bala noted that the project is a case of equal and just treatment for all three arms of government and reiterated the commitment of his administration to provide a conducive environment for the lawmakers to carry out their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
“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”
“The need for the complex to be put in proper shape and be provided with the necessary facilities, befitting its status has therefore become imperative.
“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” Governor Mohammed said
According to him, the State Assembly complex which was first built in the 1980s during the tenure of Governor Abubakar Tatari Ali, will undergo comprehensive transformation for the next 12 months, under the supervision of Architronics Nigeria Ltd, selected through a competitive bidding process
Earlier, Abubakar Suleiman, the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, explained that the complex was first built and commissioned during the first republic in the 1980s when the late Abubakar Tatari-Ali was the governor of the state.
He said that since then, the complex had undergone only one minor renovation in 2011, adding that the complex which had served as the heart of legislative processes was long overdue for refurbishment.
“On behalf of all members of the Bauchi state house of assembly, management staff, and all other workers expressed 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
He called on all members of the house, the staff and the people of the state to view the project as a collective effort and an investment in democracy, governance and future generations.
The Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kawule said as the ministry is charged with the supervision of the project, he would do his best to make sure that the contractor deliver a quality and timely project.