State Governments Must Focus on Productivity to Boost IGR – Speaker Bonzena

 

The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, has called on state governments across the country to prioritize productive economic activities as a means of enhancing internally generated revenue (IGR) and reducing dependency on federal allocations.

Speaking at a capacity-building program on effective public finance management held in Abuja, Hon. Kizito stressed the need for states to adopt strategic economic policies that foster self-sufficiency and financial independence. The program, which brought together key stakeholders in financial management, was aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in public financial administration.

Highlighting the importance of economic diversification, the Speaker noted that sustainable development can only be achieved when states explore alternative revenue sources rather than relying solely on federal allocations.

> “There is no way you can lack alternatives and expect to succeed. The issue of economic diversification is not new, particularly in Taraba State. Taraba is an agriculture-rich state, and that is why the government has taken steps to invest in modern crop production tools, quality trade practices, and the mining sector. This ensures that if federal allocations from Abuja become insufficient, the state has other sources of revenue to rely on,” he stated.

Hon. Kizito further emphasized that Taraba State has immense potential in agriculture and mineral resources, both of which can be harnessed to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for citizens. He urged other states to take similar initiatives by exploring their comparative advantages in various sectors.

Also speaking at the event, the Taraba State Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Dr. Sarah Enoch, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Saagawi Dugule, reiterated the importance of financial discipline and inter-agency collaboration in ensuring efficient management of public funds.

> “We are urging all government agencies to work together to ensure that financial accountability in Taraba State is taken seriously. Since the current administration assumed office, financial management has been a key focus, and we believe this meeting will further enhance our commitment to accountability,” she said.

She added that the government is committed to implementing policies that will strengthen financial prudence and revenue optimization in the state, ensuring that available resources are judiciously utilized for the benefit of the people.

One of the keynote speakers at the event, Professor Saidu Adamu, urged participants to take the lessons learned seriously and apply them in their respective roles within the government. He emphasized the need for continuous training and development in public finance management to enhance service delivery and economic stability at the state level.

The conference, attended by top government officials, financial experts, and policymakers, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on best practices for financial governance, revenue mobilization, and strategies to improve the economic viability of states across Nigeria.

As states continue to grapple with fluctuating federal allocations, the call for increased productivity and economic diversification remains a crucial strategy for sustainable development and financial stability.