The Kogi State Government has successfully liquidated a total of N98.8 billion debt inherited from previous administrations within 15 months of assuming office. This was revealed on Monday by the State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Ashiru Idris, during a press briefing after the Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Lokoja.
According to Idris, the cleared liabilities include debts dating back to the administration of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, as well as the N50 billion salary bailout granted to Captain Idris Wada’s government.
“So far, this administration, under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has cleared a total of N98.8 billion inherited from previous administrations, including the N50 billion salary bailout granted to Captain Idris Wada’s administration,” Idris said.
The commissioner credited this financial milestone to a significant increase in internally generated revenue (IGR), facilitated by Governor Ododo’s empowerment of the Kogi State Inland Revenue Generation Agency with enhanced revenue collection mandates.
“This success was made possible through the proactive efforts of the Chief Servant of our state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who empowered the Kogi State Inland Revenue Generation Agency with the mandate to enhance the state’s revenue generation,” Idris added.
In a related development, the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects, including the construction of perimeter fencing around the state-owned Confluence State University of Science and Technology, Osara, following a security breach on the campus last year.
Fanwo also announced the establishment of a Climate Change Agency aimed at addressing environmental challenges related to climate change within Kogi State.
The government’s debt clearance and infrastructure initiatives come as part of efforts to stabilize the state’s finances and improve public safety and environmental management.
