•MDAs to retain 20 percent of generated revenue

In its quest to expand and generate required revenue internally, the Alex Otti-led Abia State government has said it would review the lease on Ummunnechi Cattle Market with its accruing revenue and harmonise it with the ones from quarry sites.

Also, to motivate and enhance revenue generation from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the state government disclosed that they would, henceforth, retain 20 per cent of revenue they generate.

The Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, announced this innovation during a meeting with critical stakeholders on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to brainstorm on methodologies of enhancing revenue profile of the state to ensure speedy infrastructural development in all sectors to make life more meaningful.

Under the innovation, while permanent secretaries, directors of administration and finance of various MDAs are to forward detailed reports of their transactions to the deputy governor’s office, the Chairman, Board of Inland Revenue (BIR), is to provide details of revenue windows available in the state, including haulage, emblems, special trade permit, daily tickets and enumeration, among others.

According to the deputy governor, Otti’s determination to plug revenue leakages and collection of illegal levies in the state remains sacrosanct in line with his zero tolerance on corrupt practices.

Emetu reassured Abians that Otti’s government is focused, and working hard to ensure that things are done right to save the state from the financial mess it found itself.

The deputy governor also encouraged the people not to lose hope, but support the new administration to achieve its objectives. (The Guardian)