Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has outlined a plan to reduce government spending and increase internally generated revenue (IGR) in a bid to finance the state’s 2024 budget. This approach marks a significant shift from past practices and underscores Governor Otti’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Curbing Excessive Spending 

Governor Otti recently addressed heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during a retreat focused on IGR strategies. He emphasized the need to cut back on unnecessary government expenditures, including the controversial scrapping of pension benefits for former governors and their deputies. This move, initially misinterpreted as a witch hunt against his predecessors, was clarified by Governor Otti as a necessary step to streamline governance and allocate resources more effectively.

“We simply believe the right thing needs to be done,” Governor Otti explained. “Public funds should be used for the development of the state, not distributed among a select few.” Also, he underscored his belief that public service should be driven by a desire to contribute to the collective good, not personal gain.

Governor Otti further challenged the MDAs to identify areas where spending could be optimized. He expressed confidence that by working together, the state could significantly reduce its reliance on loans and achieve greater fiscal independence.

Boosting Internally Generated Revenue

A central pillar of Governor Otti’s plan involves bolstering Abia’s IGR. Currently, the state relies heavily on federal allocations, a system Governor Otti views as unsustainable. He urged the MDAs to develop innovative strategies to generate more revenue internally.

“There’s no reason we can’t significantly reduce the amount we need to borrow,” Governor Otti declared. “By maximizing our IGR potential, we can finance our budget without excessive reliance on loans.”

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Akpara, echoed Governor Otti’s sentiments. He acknowledged the need for a paradigm shift and emphasized the importance of exploring alternative revenue streams. However, Mr. Akpara assured the public that tax increases would not be implemented arbitrarily and would be directly linked to the delivery of promised government services.

Building a Brighter Future for Abia

Governor Otti’s commitment to fiscal responsibility offers a glimmer of hope for Abia’s future. By reigning in excessive spending and prioritizing IGR growth, the state can achieve greater financial independence and invest more heavily in critical areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The success of this plan hinges on the collective effort of government officials and the Abia populace. Moreover, if implemented effectively, Governor Otti’s vision has the potential to unlock Abia’s economic potential and propel the state towards a more prosperous future.

Source: Vanguard