Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-billion Naira Bauchi State Government House.

LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that in 2022, the project which includes the construction of an international conference centre, office complexes, mosque, clinic, parameter fencing, fire station, and banquet halls among others, was awarded at the cost of about N6 billion.

The vice president said, “The commissioning of this edifice in Bauchi symbolises the commitment to enhancing administrative capacity and governance in the state as Nigeria shifts some responsibilities to state governments such as power generation, this project is seen as improving urban renewal and improving governance.

“Indeed, we need government infrastructure to complement the ongoing efforts in giving physical infrastructure.”

He said state governments are better placed to improve social, economic, political and cultural spheres of lives of the people because of their proximity to the local population.

The vice president noted that while the economic indices of most states are below global standards in the face of rising inflation which shoots up prices of food items, efforts must be made across the board to change the narrative to improve the condition of Nigerians.

Shettima commended Governor Bala Mohammed for executing the project which he said “will stand the test of time” for the people of Bauchi.

The vice president also lauded governors of the North East for their dedication and commitment to serving their people in the face of the challenges facing the country.

In his speech, the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed said the need to reconstruct and remodel the dilapidated old Bauchi Government House structure became apparent to him immediately after assuming office in 2019 to create a conducive working environment.