Nasarawa Govt sets to build 14.7 billion state secretariat complex

From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Over 14.7 billion naira has been earmarked for the construction of a befitting state secreteriat complex in Nasarawa State.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Dogo Shammah disclosed this at a press briefing, shortly after the state executive council meeting held on Monday at Government House, Lafia.
According to him, the state deserves a befitting secretariat which would  showcase its image as viable, vibrant and resourceful, given its position in the North Central zone of the country.
Hon. Shammah further stated that the complex when constructed will  serve the core focus of promoting government activities in the state.
“One of the policy thrust of this administration is that of attracting national and international investors as major players in the global economic arena to invest in the state in tune with the development objectives of the Nasarawa economic development strategy.
“Council therefore, noted that Nasarawa State has come a long way and deserves the state of the art secretariat which will showcase its image as viable, vibrant and resourceful, given its position in the North Central zone.
“Accordingly, a suitable land, measuring 180.88 hectares along Shendam Road, Lafia has been identified with the legacy project.This project would be implemented in phases, commencing in the year 2021. Council in session therefore, approved  the sum of N14,709,78,250.34k for the project for a corporate Nasarawa State secretariat complex to house the entire workforce,” he said.
He further said that governnment would also establish a community board and grazing reserve park in order to stimulate export and create jobs as well as generate revenue for the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Hon. Haruna Ogbole said the ministry during the meeting submitted its proposal for the year 2021 budget which would soon be presented to the state House of Assembly for consideration.
“Our budget is based on macro assumptions. We have a bench mark of 40 US dollars per barrel and the production of 1.8 million per barrel and the foreign exchange of 379 as our exchange rate for the year,” he said.