The Kogi state government has confirmed the payment of N98.8 billion debt to its creditors since Governor Usman Ododo assumed office about 15 months ago.
This confirmation was made on Monday by the state Commissioner for finance and economic planning, Ashiwaju Ashiru Idris, while briefing journalists after the EXCO meeting held at council chambers, government house, Lokoja.
“So far, this administration under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has liquidated a total of N98.8 billion inherited from previous administrations.
The breakdown includes:
• N8 billion in bonds from the Idris Wada administration.
• N50.8 billion salary bailout from the last administration.
• N10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan.
• N15 billion infrastructure loans from Zenith Bank and another N15 billion from UBA Plc.
“This is a landmark achievement. His Excellency Governor Ododo has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to economic recovery. Within 15 months, we have cleared N98.8 billion in inherited debt,” Idris said.
The commissioner said that this feat was achieved due to the significant increase in the internally generated revenue.
“This in turn was made possible through the proactive efforts of the Chief Servant of our dear state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo who has given the agency, Kogi state Inland Revenue generation Agency charged with the responsibility of enhancing the state revenue a mandate to boost the states revenue.
Earlier,the state Commissioner for information Kingsley Fanwo had outlined significant achievement in terms of infrastructural development including the construction of perimeter fencing around the state owned Confluence State University of Science and Technology, CUSTECH ,Osara following the security breach experienced on the campus last year.
The commissioner also announced the establishment of the climate change agency to address the impact of climate change in the state
