State Governments need to live up to Expectations to support the Renewed Hope Agenda – Abayomi Odunowo.
Our state government is responsible for a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, from providing essential services to managing the state’s finances. One of the most important aspects of their job is developing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in order to ensure that the state has the necessary funds to support its operations and create opportunities for development. However, it seems that many state governments are not taking this responsibility seriously, either due to a lack of awareness or simply out of selfishness.
Among all the states in Nigeria, Lagos State stands out as the only one that is truly dedicated to improving its IGR. The Lagos State Government has shown a clear commitment to increasing the state’s revenue through innovative and strategic measures. This is evident in the various initiatives and policies that have been put in place to boost the state’s IGR, such as tax reforms, infrastructure development, and investment in key sectors of the economy.
Unfortunately, this level of dedication and commitment to improving IGR is not common among the other states in Nigeria. Many state governments seem content to rely on federal allocations and seem to have little or no interest in improving their IGR. This is not only detrimental to the state’s overall development but also reflects a lack of vision and leadership from the state governors and their administrations.
It is time for state governors to realize that developing the state’s IGR is not just a matter of financial gain, but a crucial step towards sustainable development and self-sufficiency. By enhancing the state’s revenue base, they can create more opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare, ultimately improving the quality of life for the people living in the state.
One of the most effective ways for state governments to improve their IGR is to seek the expertise of revenue consultants who can help them develop a framework for sustainable revenue generation. These consultants can provide valuable insights and strategies for optimizing revenue streams, identifying new revenue sources, and plugging revenue leakages. By leveraging the expertise of these consultants, state governments can create a solid foundation for long-term revenue growth and financial stability.
Furthermore, state governments should also prioritize the implementation of e-governance across all levels of administration. By incorporating digital technology and data-driven decision-making processes, state governments can gain real-time insights into revenue collection, expenditure patterns, and overall financial performance. This will enable them to make informed decisions and track the progress of their revenue generation efforts, creating a transparent and accountable financial system.
As state governors work towards improving their IGR, it is also crucial for them to address and block all loopholes of corruption within the revenue collection and management processes. Corruption has been a major hindrance to effective revenue generation in many states, siphoning off funds that could otherwise be invested in vital public services and infrastructure development. State governors must take a strong stance against corruption and implement stringent measures to ensure the integrity and transparency of their revenue systems.
In conclusion, state governments across Nigeria need to adopt a more proactive and strategic approach towards developing their IGR. The example set by Lagos State should serve as an inspiration for other states to follow suit and prioritize revenue generation as a key pillar of their development agenda. By engaging revenue consultants, implementing e-governance, and tackling corruption, state governments can create a solid foundation for sustainable revenue growth and lay the groundwork for a more prosperous and self-sufficient future. It is imperative for state governors to work smarter and demonstrate strong leadership in this area, ultimately creating a brighter future for their states and their citizens.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo.
National Chairman AATSG
27th January, 2024.
