Abia State’s Governor, Dr. Alex Otti OFR, has urged participants of the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) retreat, organized by the State government, to devise a robust strategy aimed at enhancing the State’s IGR. The goal is to ensure the State’s financial viability.
Speaking at the Government House in Umuahia during a special presentation of the report from the two-day retreat for IGR stakeholders in the State government’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, the Governor emphasized the need for a significant increase in the State’s IGR. He outlined his expectation for the State’s IGR to rise substantially, potentially offsetting the need for loans to finance the 2024 budget.
Governor Otti highlighted the necessity for generating income and managing expenditure at the sub-national level, decrying the reliance on central allocations. He expressed optimism that with the right measures in place, borrowing for the budget should significantly decrease by the year’s end.
Furthermore, Governor Otti addressed the recent repeal of the pension law for ex-Governors and their Deputies in the State, emphasizing its alignment with good governance principles and cost reduction efforts. He stressed the importance of public service as a commitment to sacrifice for the betterment of the State, signaling an end to the era of monetary politics.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Akpara, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, stressing the need for a paradigm shift in revenue generation. He emphasized the importance of generating substantial IGR while ensuring fair taxation and delivering on promises made to the people.
The retreat, organized by the Abia State Internal Revenue Services (ABIRS), was attended by key government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Commissioners, Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, and Chairman of ABIRS, Prof. Udochukwu Ogbonna, alongside other revenue stakeholders.
