Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has officially approved the appointment of 21 new local government secretaries, one for each of the state’s local government areas (LGAs). This decisive move is aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and accelerating development across Kebbi State.
The announcement was made on Monday, May 19, 2025, through an official statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
The newly appointed local government secretaries include seasoned public administrators and community leaders entrusted with the critical responsibility of coordinating and implementing government policies at the local level. Some notable appointees are:
Muhammad Sani Aliero for Aliero LGA
Zainab Hassan Kangiwa for Arewa LGA
Lawali Target for Argungu LGA
Dallatu Muhammad for Augie LGA
Mohammed Usman Gawamba for Bagudo LGA
Ahmed Magaji Zauro for Birnin Kebbi LGA
Mohammed Umar Bunza for Bunza LGA
Abdulkadir Mohammed Kamba for Dandi LGA
Other appointments span across the remaining LGAs such as Danko Wasagu, Fakai, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Koko/Besse, Maiyama, Ngaski, Sakaba, Shanga, Suru, Yauri, and Zuru.
Local government secretaries are pivotal to the smooth functioning of local councils. They serve as the administrative heads who coordinate the activities of local government executives, facilitate communication between the council and state government, and ensure proper implementation of policies and programs.
Governor Idris’s appointments reflect his administration’s commitment to enhancing governance at the grassroots level. By installing capable and trusted individuals in these strategic roles, the governor aims to improve service delivery, transparency, and development outcomes within Kebbi State.
In his remarks, SSG Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida urged the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by the governor and the state government. He emphasized the need for dedication, integrity, and proactive engagement to drive progress in their respective local government areas.
“These appointments are not mere titles but responsibilities to ensure the welfare and advancement of our communities,” the SSG stated. “You are expected to work diligently to bring about tangible development that impacts the lives of Kebbi people.”
The SSG also highlighted the importance of synergy between the local government secretaries and traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations to foster inclusive governance.
Governor Idris has since assuming office prioritized grassroots empowerment as a foundation for sustainable development in Kebbi. His administration has focused on improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture at the local government level.
The new appointments are part of a broader strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and local government autonomy. Well-functioning local governments are critical to delivering public services directly to citizens, addressing local needs promptly, and encouraging community participation in governance.
Addressing Challenges and Opportunities
While Kebbi State has made strides in various sectors, challenges such as rural poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to social services persist in some areas. The governor’s appointment of competent local government secretaries is expected to bridge these gaps by ensuring efficient implementation of developmental projects and policies.
Furthermore, these secretaries will play a crucial role in mobilizing resources, coordinating disaster response, and facilitating agricultural initiatives that align with Kebbi’s status as a major food-producing state.
Governor Nasir Idris’s appointment of 21 new local government secretaries marks a significant step towards reinforcing Kebbi State’s local governance structure. The success of this initiative will largely depend on the appointees’ ability to execute their duties with professionalism and a commitment to improving the lives of Kebbi citizens.
As the new secretaries assume their roles, expectations are high that Kebbi’s local governments will become more responsive, transparent, and effective in driving the state’s socio-economic progress.