Business and Economy
Kogi Ranks 5th Lowest in Domestic Debt Nationwide
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The strategic economic and fiscal reforms of the Kogi State Government have begun to yield fruitful results, with the state now ranked as having the 5th lowest domestic debt among the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to the latest figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) as of March 31, 2025. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The report shows that Kogi State’s domestic debt stands at ₦20.38 billion, marking a significant drop from the ₦121.81 billion recorded in Q4 of 2023, when the state ranked 18th lowest in the country. This reflects a remarkable debt reduction of over ₦101.43 billion in just over one fiscal quarter.
Speaking on the achievements, the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, attributed the success to the state’s aggressive implementation of global best practices in financial management, including prudent borrowing, enhanced revenue performance, and strategic expenditure control.
“We are deliberate in our financial approach, cutting waste and focusing on impactful spending. This improvement is not accidental; it is the result of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s transparent , accountable and reform-minded leadership,” he said.
Also speaking, the Auditor General of the State, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, said Kogi’s improved debt standing is evidence of transparency and effective oversight.
“We ensure that all government funds are deployed strictly for their intended purposes. His Excellency’s accounting background has brought a culture of accountability and efficiency to every level of government. Our systems now deliver more results with fewer resources,” he said.
Alhaji Okala commended Governor Ododo’s unwavering support for fiscal institutions, saying the Governor has not only backed reforms but insisted on compliance and value-for-money across all MDAs.
Both the Commissioner of Finance and the Auditor General of the State agreed that the results are products of the hard work by the finance team in the last administration and the consolidation of the present administration in the State to ensure that the resources of the state serve for the people of the State.
They also attribute improved revenue to the reduced need for domestic borrowing, saying the State Government is conveniently funding a good number of capital projects in the State.
In a related development, the Kogi State Government says it has acquired licenses to fully participate in solid minerals mining in the State in a bold move to diversify the state’s economy and expand its revenue base. The State Government confirmed that it has acquired 15 mining licenses to begin strategic participation in the nation’s solid minerals sector.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who said the move was driven by the government’s resolve to ensure that Kogites benefit directly from the natural resources on their land.
“With these licenses, Kogi will now take its rightful place in the mining sector, not just as a host but as an active operator. This will unlock value, create jobs for our teeming youth, and grow our internally generated revenue,” Fanwo stated.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support and the policy framework that now enables subnational entities to participate more directly in mining and resource development.
“This is a major economic breakthrough for our state. We thank Mr. President for enabling states like Kogi to take charge of their destiny. Governor Ododo’s leadership is positioning Kogi not just for today, but for a prosperous, resource-driven future,” Fanwo added.
He assured that the licenses would be put to use through environmentally responsible and community-focused mining initiatives that will stimulate industrial growth and promote local content development.
With the twin achievements of improved debt
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Business and Economy
Ododo Unveils N820.49 Billion 2026 Draft Budget
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi statte has unveiled the 2026 draft budget, titled “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” totaling N820.49 billion. The announcement was made following a meeting of the State Executive Council in Lokoja. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The budget represents a 35.7% increase over the 2025 revised budget, signaling the state government’s focus on sustainable growth, inclusive development, and enhanced service delivery.
Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, briefed journalists after the council meeting, highlighting that the 2026 budget is designed to strengthen internal revenue, improve debt recovery, foster a business-friendly environment, and deepen public-private partnerships.
“The 2026 budget proposals reflect a robust and balanced financial strategy emphasizing enhanced revenue generation, strategic expenditure control, and a strong commitment to capital investment,” Idris said.
He added that the significant rise in both recurrent and capital expenditure underscores the government’s determination to expand infrastructure and improve public service delivery. The total estimated revenue and expenditure for the 2026 draft budget is N820,490,585,443, reflecting a fully balanced fiscal plan.
The meeting also addressed other critical issues, including access to clean water, road safety, and land administration reforms. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, noted that Governor Ododo directed all commissioners to sink three boreholes each in their respective local government areas and tasked the council with taking over land consent authority to curb fraudulent transactions.
The inclusive meeting, which included former commissioners, reflected Governor Ododo’s commitment to unity and collective progress. Former Commissioner Hon. Salisu Sani Ogu praised the governor’s leadership style, saying, “He has shown a desire to carry everyone along and build on the foundation laid since 2016.”
The 2026 draft budget aligns with the state government’s long-term goals of infrastructure expansion, improved public services, and economic diversification, aiming to create a more prosperous environment for Kogi residents.
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Business and EconomyNovember 9, 2025Ododo Unveils N820.49 Billion 2026 Draft BudgetNewsNovember 9, 2025Troops Rescue 31 In Kogi as Kidnappers Abduct 40 CVR RegistrantsNewsNovember 8, 2025Commissioner Hails Tinubu Over Appointment Of Kogi Indigenes Into Critical PositionsHealth and Life StyleNovember 8, 2025Ogori/Magongo LGA Emerges Overall Best In PHC Quality Service Delivery Award
Business and Economy
Kogi Govt Opens Bids for Livestock Market Rehabilitation Project
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has embarked on a major initiative to rehabilitate nine livestock markets across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The bid opening ceremony for the project took place over the weekend, at Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) Project office in Lokoja. com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The Project Coordinator, Mr Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, highlighted the importance of the initiative and assured of a transparent process.
Otaru described the market rehabilitation project as a new dawn in Kogi State’s livestock value chain, and commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for fully supporting the project.
He revealed that the World Bank had approved the project, with nine livestock markets to be rehabilitated in the first phase across the state’s nine Federal Constituencies.
“We’ve secured World Bank approval for the rehabilitation of one livestock market in each of Kogi State’s nine Federal Constituencies.
“We’ve engaged stakeholders to ensure a smooth bidding process and successful project execution.
“I urge the winning contractor to deliver high-quality work within the timeframe.
“Governor Ahmed Ododo’s support for L-PRES has been instrumental in improving livestock farmers’ livelihoods and the state’s economy,” Otaru said.
He emphasised that the rehabilitation of the nine livestock markets is expected to enhance livestock productivity and value chain in the state, improving the livelihoods of farmers and the economy,” Otaru said.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, said the rehabilitation project aims to enhance the livestock sector, crucial to the state’s economy and food security.
“The modernisation of the markets will improve trading conditions, boost the livelihoods of farmers and traders, and create hygienic and efficient market spaces that meet international standards,” Bolarin said.
Represented by the Ministry’s Director of Livestock, Mr Ali Peter, the commissioner emphasised the need for a transparent and competitive bidding process.
The commissioner urged participants to adhere strictly to the guidelines.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary,, Dr Abdulsalam Hadi, commended the governor for his commitment to transforming livestock development in the state.
He expressed confidence that the project would be a success, contributing significantly to the growth of the state.
The Kogi L-PRES Procurement Officer, Mr Adeolu Oshadare, disclosed that five companies submitted bidding documents with prices ranging from N1.22 billion to N2.12 billion.
According to him, the project bid was advertised on September 12, 2025, and five companies submitted bids by October 10, 2025.
According to him, the bid prices are: Nuelika Infinity Ltd (N1.54 billion), Izyprecs Ltd (N1.55 billion), Emmanuel-NIK and Gold Ltd (N1.47 billion), RSA Global Investment Ltd (N1.22 billion), and Numora Integrated Ltd (N2.12 billion).
Adeolu noted that the next stage would be the evaluation of bids by the evaluation committee within the next week.
In his remarks, Prof Usman Omeiza, Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Kogi State Branch, commended the Kogi State Livestock Ministry, L-PRES, and other stakeholders for ensuring a seamless and transparent bidding process.
He urged them to maintain this transparency throughout the project.
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Business and Economy
KGIRS Gives Rebates, Urges Land Owners towards Voluntary Payment
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has charged property owners who have received Land Use Charge Demand Notice to pay in order to fulfil their obligation to the State. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe made the call in a chat with Our Reporter on the significance of Land Use Charge and early payment of the tax.
He said the Land Use Charge introduced by the government was aimed at eliminating the burden of multiple taxation, provision of a more streamlined and efficient system.
Alhaji Enehe urged property owners that have receivethem enjoy Use Charge (LUC) Demand Notice to pay as soon as possible to enable them enjoy early payment incentives.
“Payment within 5 days of receipt of Demand Notice attracts 15% discount while payment within 15 days of receipt of demand notice has 10% discount and payment within 25 days of receipt of Demand Notice also has 5% discount to encourage prompt payment of the LUC.
“Payment can be made in all bank branches across the State as well as Kogi State Revenue POS Agents” he stated.
He assured that government would continue to use the revenue for infrastructure development, maintenance of the environment, and provision of adequate security for the State.
While re-emphasising the significance of the tax, the Executive Chairman, KGIRS, said “The Land Use Charge offers several benefits, including; Accurate assessment of property values for taxation purposes, Identification and registration of property in the State, Allocation of land for government projects and social amenities, Employment opportunities for enumerators from the District, and Creation of a reliable database on the property makeup of the State to inform decision-making.
“The tax obligation section of the Land Use Charge focuses on property used for lease and commercial purposes, but there are exemptions, and they include; Property owned and occupied by religious bodies for public worship or education, Public cemeteries and burial grounds,
“Others are non-profit educational institutions and public libraries, palaces of recognised traditional rulers, community property like town-halls used for community meetings, and Property owned and occupied by pensioners” Alhaji Enehe stated.
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Business and EconomyNovember 9, 2025Ododo Unveils N820.49 Billion 2026 Draft BudgetNewsNovember 9, 2025Troops Rescue 31 In Kogi as Kidnappers Abduct 40 CVR RegistrantsNewsNovember 8, 2025Commissioner Hails Tinubu Over Appointment Of Kogi Indigenes Into Critical PositionsHealth and Life StyleNovember 8, 2025Ogori/Magongo LGA Emerges Overall Best In PHC Quality Service Delivery Award