The Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee under the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has lauded the intent and efforts of Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu by coming up with a blueprint to harness the abundant natural resources deposits in the State.
The blueprint, if fully funded, according to the committee, would create employment, raise income, increase revenue generation and accelerate economic growth and development.
The Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Adamu Shatima Yuguda Dibal , Wazirin Biu, gave the commendation when he led the members of the committee on a courtesy call on Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu at Government House Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
”Undoubtedly, these laudable programmes are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR, to improve the lots of Nigerians by remodeling the economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and reduce poverty,” he averred.
The Chairman assured Gov. Idris that his committee would ensure fairness and equity in making sound recommendations on Kebbi’s request to access the sum of Eighty Three Billion,Two Hundred and Twenty Five Million Naira,N83,225,000,00 from the 1.68% Development of Natural Resources Fund ,DNRF, which the state would use to develop its agricultural sector,mineral resources and tourism.
Diibal opined that, if approval is granted for the release of the fund to Kebbi State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the recommendation of the Commission, it would enhance job and wealth creation for citizens of Kebbi State.
He further explained that the 1.68% Development of Natural Resources Fund was under the Special Fund, established by the Revenue Allocation (Federation Account) Acting,CAP A15,LFN 2004, which receives direct allocation on monthly basis added to the share of FGN to be kept in trust for the three – tiers of government.
” The aim of establishing the 1.68% DNRF is to achieve alternative resource diversification and provide alterative source of revenue to oil not only to the Federal Government but also to the other two tiers of government,” he averred.
The Chairman commended the SSG, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, the Accountant General of the State, Alhaji Bello Ibrahim Nahaliku and some state government officials who took time to traverse the state with them in the course of their official assignment.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu expressed appreciation with the visit and believed that the committee would do justice to the request of Kebbi State Government.
The governor said he and the cabinet arrived at a decision to apply for the fund in order to develop further the agricultural sector of the state, which was the main stay of the state, mining sector and then people empowerment, particularly the youths.
” No way government can succeed without empowering youths and engage in agriculture.
” Kebbi State is blessed with abundant natural resources, I hope your coming will help the state harness some of its abundant natural resources,” he said.
Idris affirmed that he was committed to fulfilling his campaign promises to the Kebbi people by making sure that all the sectors of the state were systematically developed to create a new Kebbi State of the dream of all its citizens.
Signed,
YAHAYA SARKI,
Special Adviser (SA) to Kebbi State Governor on Media and Publicity.
29/12/2023