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
Nupe Natives Of Lokoja Flags Off Cooperative Union To Facilitate Development
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Nupe Natives of Lokoja, has flagged off its CAMPDAVID MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE UNION LIMITED registered with the Kogi State government, aimed at facilitating the development of the community of the native Nupe of Lokoja and her entire residents. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Twelve other Cooperative Societies are registered to operate under the umbrella union which was launched in Lokoja over the weekend.
The Etsu Lokoja and Chairman, Lokoja Native Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda Shelika – Nyamkpa IV, performed the flag off ceremony during the first General Meeting of Nupe Natives of Lokoja in 2026, organized to showcase their culture and had interactions on how to attract development to their community.
The Royal Father in his speech, said that the Cooperative Union and its other sub-societies would no doubt facilitate people’s zeal to embark on self-help development that would impact on their living standards.
According to the traditional ruler “The newly registered cooperative societies would serve as veritable tools with which our people could utilize to generate funds to enable them embark on self-help projects such as drilling of motorized boreholes for portable water supply, rural electrification and health clinics amongst others.
“The need to complement government’s efforts in the provision of basic infrastructure for improved living conditions of citizens cannot be over emphasized, hence our desire as a people to do the needful”
The Etsu Lokoja used the occasion to call on the younger generation of the community to embrace skills acquisition of vocational enterprises such tailoring, welding, fabrication, carpentry, plumbing, hair dressing and farming among others for self-reliance.
He also disclosed his community’s planned programmes for this new year to include; facilitating of Summer Studies, Medical Outreaches for the less privileged, cultural and political summits.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state for his passion to carry everybody along in his development programmes irrespective of political, ethnic and religious differences.
He reiterated the loyalty of his people to the present administration in Kogi state and assured that the tempo would be sustained.
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Business and Economy
Kogi To Domesticate New Nigeria’s Tax Act, 2025
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has expressed readiness to domesticate the new Nigeria’s Tax Act 2025 for implementation by the State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS). adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Internal Revenue Generation, Nasir Rahman Ichanyi gave the hint while speaking at the second tranche of the critical stakeholders engagement on better understanding of the key provisions in the new tax law organised by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Ichanyi said that participants for the sensitization engagement were drawn from ministries, departments and agencies in view of their advantage position as technocrats that would play vital role in full implementation of the new tax law as from January, 2026.
He said that the sensitization programme is aimed at strengthening tax administration and promoting voluntary compliance to the new law.
The Special Adviser commended Governr Usman Ahmed Ododo for his visionary leadership and steadfast support in ensuring the effective domestication and implementation of progressive federal fiscal policies.
“His Excellency’s commitment to good governance and economic reforms continues to enhance fiscal discipline and sustainable development in the state”
He also praised the management and staff of KGIRS for their professionalism, dedication, and proactive engagement with stakeholders.
” This sensitization exercise reflects their resolve to ensure clarity, transparency, and inclusiveness in the implementation of the new tax framework.
“The 2025 Tax Acts, that will be domesticated by Kogi State, is distinguished by its simplicity, clarity, and taxpayer-friendly provisions
” It harmonizes tax obligations, removes incidences of multiple taxation, and provides clear guidelines that make compliance easier for taxpayers. The law also embraces technology-driven processes that improve efficiency, reduce human interference, and promote accountability.
“Furthermore, the domesticated tax Acts will offers significant benefits to taxpayers by reducing compliance costs, ensuring fairness and equity, and fostering a more predictable and business-friendly tax environment. Ultimately, it strengthens the trust between government and taxpayers and ensures that revenues generated translate into improved public services and infrastructural development across the state.
” I urge all MDAs and stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the 2025 Tax Acts that will be domesticated in Kogi State and to serve as ambassadors of compliance within their respective institutions. Together, we can build a robust and sustainable revenue system that will drive inclusive growth and development for Kogi State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe urged citizens to embrace the new Nigeria’s Tax Act in view of its enormous benefits.
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Business and Economy
KGIRS Sensitizes Stakeholders On Implementation Of New Nigeria Tax Act, 2025
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
As the new Nigeria’s Tax Act 2025, becomes operational come January, 2026, the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) on Tuesday, commenced Stakeholders’ Engagement towards full implementation of the law. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Speaking at the one day Sensitization Programme held at the Lugard House, Lokoja, the Executive Chairman of the KGIRS, Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, said that the commencement of the Nigeria’s Tax Act, January next year, is in line with the Federal Government’s tax reform policy aimed at boosting tax administration.
“The Stakeholders’ Engagement is targeted at ensuring better understanding of the Nigeria Tax Act ahead of its full implementation January next year”
He explained that the operation of multiple tax administration law was condensed into one now called “Nigeria Tax Act 2025” to enhance transparency and efficiency in the system.
He also explained that the new law was put in place to avoid the problem of double taxation and duplication in the system.
Alhaji Enehe therefore, urged taxable citizens and critical stakeholders in tax administration sector to embrace the new law in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform policy which he said would go a long way in stabilising the nation’s dwindling economy.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on revenue generation, Dr. Nasir Rahman Ichanyi, in his speech, commended KGIRS for organising the Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum which has provided avenue for robust dialogue and collaboration for comprehensive understanding of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.
He described the Stakeholders’ Engagement as timely and proactive measures put in place by KGIRS to achieve the desired success in the implementation of the new law.
Dr. Ichanyi promised that Kogi State Government would not relent in support of President Tinubu’s tax reform policy which he said would enhance the nation’s economy.
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