Abia Can Generate Over N15bn Monthly As IGR­­ – Otuka

An Action Peoples Party chieftain in Abia State, Tom Otuka, yesterday said the state has potential and capacity to generate over N15bn monthly as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Otuka stated this in an open letter to the transition committee of the governor-elect of the state, Alex Otti, which was sighted by LEADERSHIP Weekend in Umuahia, the capital.

He said this could be achieved by reviving the multiple million naira moribund industries, factories and other sources of revenue as well as blocking leakages and enhancing prudent management.

He lamented that over the years, experience had shown that a large chunk of the revenue found their ways into private pockets of many office holders, their cronies and family members.

He maintained that the government encouraged the leakages by contracting out  revenue sources to their supporters at very minimal costs.

The Ukwa/Ngwa leader and medical practitioner, noted: “This has largely accounted for the abysmally low and scandalous figures being posted as monthly internally generated revenue.”

Otuka, therefore, advised the Labour Party governor-elect to consider adopting the Single Treasury Account as part of the measures to stem the ugly tide before it further worsens.

He urged Otti to revisit establishment of the Obuaku Seaport and revamp the Azumini Glass Industry to improve the revenue profile and accelerate economic development of the state.