We must improve revenue generation to service debt – Radda

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda says it is time for the state to improve its internally generated revenue to be able to service its debts and deliver services to the people.

The governor made the remarks in a statement issued by one of his aides, Mr Isah Miqdad, on Thursday in Katsina.

Radda who met with revenue generating agencies in the state, said they must up their game in order to raise the state revenue profile.

“The state must improve its internally generated revenue at this critical time, especially since the state will soon start servicing its debts.

“My vision is for the state to generate revenue that can settle the salaries of workers without waiting for the monthly Federal Allocation,” he added.

In line with this vision, Radda said that the administration would restructure the state board of internal revenue to meet its revenue targets.

The governor directed the revenue-generating agencies to prioritise the compelling need to have more revenue for the state with which to ensure the overall economic growth of the state.

“Hence, the need to restructure the board to generate more revenue for the state becomes necessary.

“Lack of enforcement and the nonchalant attitude of some collection officers are some of the reasons for the low IGR for the state,” he observed.

He therefore directed the Secretary to the state Government to constitute a five-member committee to undertake study tour of the top high-profile revenue generating states in the country, for Katsina to emulate. (NAN)