Politics

Kogi State Clears N98.8 Billion Debt in 15 Months

The Kogi State Government has announced it has cleared N98.8 billion in debts over the last 15 months. The state’s Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Ashiru Idris, revealed this during a press briefing held after the State Executive Council meeting in Lokoja.

He explained that the debts paid off included longstanding liabilities from past administrations, such as the N50 billion salary bailout granted to former Governor Idris Wada. Idris emphasized that the current administration under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has made significant financial progress since assuming office.

“This administration has cleared a total of N98.8 billion inherited from previous governments. This includes the N50 billion salary bailout loan given during Captain Idris Wada’s time,” the commissioner said.

According to him, the debt clearance was possible due to improved internally generated revenue, which increased after the Kogi State Inland Revenue Service received a new mandate from Governor Ododo.

“The Chief Servant of our state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, strengthened the Kogi State Inland Revenue Generation Agency to boost revenue collection. That effort has yielded great results,” Idris noted.

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In addition, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, highlighted some of the government’s recent infrastructural projects. He mentioned the construction of perimeter fencing at the Confluence State University of Science and Technology, Osara. This project follows a security breach on the campus last year.

Fanwo also announced the establishment of a new Climate Change Agency. This agency will focus on environmental protection and mitigating the impact of climate change in the state.

The government’s focus on financial transparency, security, and sustainable development is seen as a step forward in rebuilding trust and confidence among Kogi residents. The debt repayment milestone is also viewed as a signal of stronger fiscal management under Governor Ododo’s leadership.

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