POLITICAL POLITICS

Kebbi Government Defends Idris Administration Over UNDP Poverty Ranking

by admin on | 2026-10-19 11:02:32

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Kebbi Government Defends Idris Administration Over UNDP Poverty Ranking

By Maryam Muhammad 

The Kebbi State Government has defended the administration of Governor Nasir Idris against criticism following a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report that classified the state among Nigeria's poorest.

The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, made the government's position known in a press briefing, accusing opposition politicians, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), of using the report to score political points ahead of the next general elections.

The Commissioner specifically criticised the ADC's governorship candidate and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, for urging residents to vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government over poverty, insecurity and inadequate access to potable water.

He argued that the poverty indicators highlighted in the UNDP report covered a period that included the last administration.

On the security situation, the state government said Governor Nasir Idris had provided operational vehicles, motorcycles and other logistical support to security agencies and local vigilante groups involved in combating banditry.

It added that the governor had also provided relief to victims of attacks, visited affected communities and supported the establishment of military formations and forward operating bases across the state.

The government further cited the establishment of the 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside the 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and the 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations.

The commissioner also referred to allegations involving properties and other assets linked to Malami, arguing that cases of alleged corruption involving public officials could have implications for public service delivery and poverty reduction.

He maintained that the Idris administration had prioritised infrastructure development, agriculture, education, healthcare and social welfare as part of its strategy to improve living conditions across the state.

According to him, the government has embarked on road construction projects, distributed fertilisers and other agricultural inputs, supported irrigation farming through solar-powered and compressed natural gas-powered pumps, and provided food assistance to residents.

He added that the administration had employed thousands of teachers, improved workers' welfare, paid scholarships and covered registration and school fees for students studying within and outside Nigeria.

On infrastructure, the commissioner highlighted the Koko-Zuru Road, describing it as an important agricultural and economic corridor that would facilitate the movement of farm produce, improve commercial activities and strengthen economic opportunities for residents.

He also said the state government had established a Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and a Solid Minerals Development Agency to regulate the sector, protect the state's interests and attract local and foreign investment.

The commissioner acknowledged that reversing the effects of poverty and economic hardship would take time, noting that the administration's development programmes were ongoing.

He called on the people of Kebbi State to support the Idris administration, expressing confidence that its policies and projects would gradually improve living conditions and promote economic prosperity.

The government maintained that continuity in leadership was necessary to sustain ongoing development projects and consolidate the gains recorded under the present administration.