The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, has expressed her excitement over the construction of a new nine-storey civil servants’ secretariat in Bayelsa State.
Walson-Jack made the statement during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Yenagoa on during the weekend.
Walson-Jack described the upcoming iconic structure as a lasting legacy of Governor Douye Diri’s administration. She stated that once completed, the building would remain a memorable symbol of progress. Reflecting on her time in Bayelsa’s public service, she spoke fondly of witnessing the foundation-laying ceremony.
“The civil service is the engine of government, providing expertise and structure for effective governance,” she remarked. “A well-motivated and efficient civil service needs capable personnel, strong policies, and an enabling work environment that fosters professionalism, collaboration, and innovation.”
The Head of Service also emphasized that the project reflects the Bayelsa government’s commitment to strengthening governance and service delivery. “This new state secretariat is a commendable effort to provide public servants with a conducive workplace. I applaud the Bayelsa government for its dedication to infrastructure development. This project aligns with the broader vision of strengthening Nigeria’s civil service at both state and federal levels to enhance governance,” she added.
Earlier in the event, Governor Douye Diri explained that the new workers’ complex would be an electronic secretariat, with the project costing N46 billion. He mentioned that contractors had already received 30 percent of the project sum, with an additional 20 percent approved for release at the project’s commencement. Diri assured that funding would not be a challenge and that the project would be completed within 24 months.
The governor noted that the initiative stemmed from civil servants’ repeated requests for adequate office accommodation, which had been raised during every Workers’ Day celebration. He expressed his satisfaction that the new secretariat would address the complaints from labor unions regarding insufficient office space.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, revealed that the Diri administration conceived and initiated the project. He explained that the structure would provide a conducive and appropriate communal space for the state’s workforce.
The proposed nine-storey building is designed to feature modern, eco-friendly green solutions, supporting the key functional needs of the state. The facility will cover a footprint of 3,675.633 square meters within a total area of 26,762.99 square meters, including parking for 155 cars.
Mr. Carlos Zanone, Operations Director of Megastar Technical and Construction Company Ltd., confirmed that the building would be equipped with a solar-powered system. Additional features include conference halls, a six-bed sick bay, and a crèche to support working families. Zanone further assured that the construction would adhere to modern standards, utilizing high-quality materials to enhance the area’s aesthetics, and that the 24-month completion deadline was achievable.
