The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has approved ₦282.3 million for the full rehabilitation and modernization of the state-owned printing press located in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
The development was confirmed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmad, during an official inspection visit to the facility currently undergoing upgrades.
Contents
Project Aims to Modernize and Boost Efficiency
According to the Commissioner, the aim of the project is to revive the printing press, which had been dormant for several years, and transform it into a modern digital facility. He emphasized that the funds will be used to renovate the building and replace old machinery with new, state-of-the-art equipment.
Some of the new machines expected to be installed include:
- Digital Direct Plate machine
- Computer Suppression Machine
- Computer-to-Plate (CTP) system
These upgrades are designed to enhance production quality, improve efficiency, and support the state’s growing printing needs.
Confidentiality and Revenue Generation
Commissioner Ahmad noted that one of the key motivations for upgrading the press is to handle sensitive government documents in-house, ensuring confidentiality and eliminating the risks associated with outsourcing printing jobs to external contractors.
He added that the press, once operational, will also serve as a source of internally generated revenue (IGR) for the state, helping to boost Kebbi’s economic performance.
Inspection by Government Officials
The inspection team included:
- Yakubu Ahmad – Commissioner for Information and Culture
- Sa’idu Buhari Warrah – Permanent Secretary
- Bashar Shehu – Director of the Printing Press
During the tour, Director Bashar Shehu walked the team through the various production sections of the press and explained the functions of both the old and new machines. He mentioned that existing machines like the GTO, KORD, MO, as well as cutting, stitching, rimming, and perforating equipment, will either be upgraded or replaced.
Project Completion Timeline and Training Plans
Bashar Shehu also disclosed that the entire rehabilitation is expected to be completed within two to three months. He added that there are plans to recruit and train new staff who will be capable of operating the upgraded digital machines.
More Modernization Projects Coming
Commissioner Ahmad concluded by revealing that similar modernization projects will soon be extended to other units under the Ministry of Information, including the State History Bureau.
Discover more from Allmedia24 News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.