The Kaduna State Government has witnessed a remarkable surge in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, according to Professor Bello Ayuba, the Governor's Principal Private Secretary.
In a media briefing held today at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Centre in Kaduna, Professor Ayuba revealed that Kaduna State emerged as the top earner of IGR among Northern states in 2023, generating a substantial N62.49 billion. This significant achievement, he attributed to Governor Sani's proactive policies, including financial inclusion initiatives, tax net expansion, and the reorganization of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS).
"Governor Sani's approach has shifted from the previous vertical approach to a horizontal one, expanding the tax base and encouraging businesses to return to the state," Professor Ayuba explained. "The business-friendly environment and focus on rural development have significantly improved voluntary tax compliance."
Focus on Poverty Alleviation
Beyond economic growth, the Uba Sani administration has prioritized the welfare of its citizens, with a strong emphasis on poverty alleviation.
"Governor Sani has placed a high premium on bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in Kaduna State," Professor Ayuba stated.
Key initiatives undertaken by the government include:
Financial Inclusion: An Executive Order on Financial Inclusion has been implemented to improve access to financial services for the underserved.
Skills Development: The "ArewaTech4Ladies" project, in collaboration with Google Africa, has empowered 5,000 women and girls with skills in data science and AI.
Business Support: The Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) has provided grants to over 8,600 nano and micro-businesses.
Poverty Alleviation Programs: The "A Kori Talauchi" program has empowered 4,912 underserved women, and initiatives like the Kaduna Food Festival have provided platforms for women to showcase their businesses.
Civil Servant Support: A Revolving Loan Scheme with a 5% interest rate has been established to assist civil servants with financial needs.
Pension Clearance: The government has cleared pension arrears, paying approximately N4.7 billion for death and gratuity benefits.
Agricultural Transformation
Governor Sani has also placed a strong emphasis on agricultural development. The "Get Back to the Farm" initiative has provided vital inputs to 41,693 smallholder farmers, boosting agricultural productivity. The government has also undertaken the largest free fertilizer distribution in state history, distributing 500 trucks of fertilizer to 120,000 farmers.
Additionally, the Uba Sani administration's focus on economic growth, poverty alleviation, and agricultural development has yielded significant results for Kaduna State. The impressive IGR growth and the numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens demonstrate the government's commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
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