By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, May 4, 2026 (Series News Online) - The Kebbi State Government has committed N7.14 billion to the procurement and installation of solar-powered streetlights across major towns as part of its urban renewal drive under Governor Nasir Idris, officials said on Monday.
Speaking at the inter-ministerial press briefing held at the ultra-modern Secretariat Complex in Gwadangaji, Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hayatudeen Ahmad Bawa, said the investment is reshaping the state’s urban landscape.
He emphasized that the administration’s strategic investments in urban renewal are aimed at positioning Birnin Kebbi and other major towns as hubs of economic growth, improved livability and modern infrastructure.
According to Commissioner Bawa, over N7.1 billion has been committed to the procurement and installation of modern solar-powered streetlights across key locations including Birnin Kebbi, Zuru, Yauri, Argungu, and Bunza.
“The initiative has not only brightened the cities but also strengthened security, boosted commercial activities at night, and improved the aesthetic outlook of the state,” Bawa said.
He further highlighted major road upgrades and the expansion of key township roads to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.
“These include the transformation of prominent roundabouts such as Khalifa, Yar Yara, Plus Centre, and Kawara, as well as the construction of a new city gate at Kofa Sabuwa,” he explained.
He added that extensive asphalt laying and interlocking works have also been completed along major routes, including the Sani Abacha Bypass and the road linking Polaris Bank to Khalifa Roundabout.
Addressing environmental concerns, the commissioner revealed intensified efforts to address flooding through aggressive drainage clearing, evacuation and extension of drainage systems at critical outlets.
“The Kebbi State Urban Development Authority has been strengthened with operational equipment to ensure effective waste management and maintain cleanliness across the state capital,” Bawa stated.
The briefing also highlighted the installation of modern LCD screens at strategic locations within Birnin Kebbi to enhance communication between the government and the public, providing real-time updates on government activities and other relevant information.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, described the inter-ministerial briefing as a continuation of the ministry’s initiative to keep the public adequately informed on government activities.
He noted that the forum provides a platform for ministries to present their scorecards while deepening public understanding of policies and programmes, and called on the media to sustain their cooperation in disseminating accurate information.
The Kebbi State Government reaffirmed that these milestones reflect its unwavering commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy.
It assured the people of the state of sustained development efforts and called for continued public support to build on the progress achieved.
However, the total amount expended on the procurement and installation of solar streetlights across the state and the above-mentioned places is N7,139,397,205.20, according to the briefing by Commissioner Bawa.
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Infrastructure