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NYCSO Expresses Concern Over Yobe State’s Low IGR; Calls for Improved Fiscal Discipline
NYCSO Expresses Concern Over Yobe State’s Low IGR; Calls for Improved Fiscal Discipline
By: Our Reporter
The Network of Yobe Civil Society Organizations (NYCSO) is deeply concerned about the persistently low Internally Generated Reveoqnue (IGR) performance of the Government of Yobe State, despite commendable efforts by the administration of His Excellency Hon Mai Mala Buni to enact laws aimed at prudent resource management and fiscal stability, NYCSO recognizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the Public Finance Management (PFM) sector and applauds the government’s commitment to these principles.
However, the recent fiscal performance report, ranking Yobe State as the 32nd state in the country in 2023, raises significant alarms NYCSO attributes this ranking to the state’s low IGR, coupled with a skyrocketing domestic debt profile. Despite a slight increase in IGR compared to 2022, the non-operationalization of the Yobe State Internal Revenue Law, assented to by His Excellency since 2021, remains a critical setback to effective and efficient revenue generation. The lack of a substantive leadership for the Yobe State Internal Revenue Service coupled with the absence of an Executive Order for enforcement of the law by the IRS has contributed significantly to the current fiscal instability of the state. The capital budget performance of some key service delivery MDAs as at Q3 is equally abysmal and contradictory with His Excellency’s policy statements for the 2023 fiscal year budget proposals.
In light of these concerns, NYCSO urges the State Government to take immediate action on the following key issues:
- Grant the Yobe State Internal Revenue Service an Executive Order to implement the Revenue Law effectively, thereby enhancing the collection and remittance of all revenues in line with the provisions of the State Revenue Law 2021 (as amended).
- Direct all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to be intentional about improving revenue generation. Cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service is also essential for the successful discharge of its statutory mandate, as provided by the law.
- Appoint a substantive Chairman for the Yobe State Internal Revenue Service in accordance with the provisions of the Law to ensure stable leadership that will drive effective revenue generation initiatives.
- NYCSO calls on the state government to sincerely implement the recommendations of the State Fiscal Responsibility reports of the previous years.
- The state government should also judiciously address all recommendations raised in the State Auditor General’s Reports for the previous years.
As a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), NYCSO pledges its commitment to supporting the government by actively engaging in sensitizing the general public to fulfill their tax obligations. The Network also recognizes the crucial role of citizens in contributing to the overall socio-economic development by cooperating with the policies and programs of the government.
Similarly, NYCSO calls on the State Government to consider the above recommendations as urgent and crucial for the socio-economic development of Yobe State. The Network remains hopeful that the government, as it has consistently demonstrated, will take prompt and decisive actions to address these concerns of her citizens,
The Network further appreciates the government’s understanding and anticipates positive actions that will contribute to the sustainable growth and development of our dear state.
NYCSO Expresses Concern Over Yobe State’s Low IGR; Calls for Improved Fiscal Discipline
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
By: Michael Mike
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned newly completed nursing quarters and two mega primary schools in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality education in the state.
The projects were executed under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, which has continued to prioritize infrastructure development in the health and education sectors.
The newly inaugurated nursing quarters, located beside the State Specialist Hospital, consist of eight blocks of six flats each. The housing units are fully furnished and fitted with air-conditioning systems to improve living conditions for medical personnel.
In the education sector, Senator Tinubu also commissioned Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools. Each facility features 48 classrooms designed to accommodate thousands of pupils, alongside ICT centres, modern sports facilities, e-learning platforms, and solar-powered systems to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady commended Governor Zulum’s leadership style, describing the projects as people-focused and impactful.
“What we have seen so far in Borno is quite encouraging. You have done very well, and I am truly honoured to be part of this commissioning,” she said.
Governor Zulum’s administration has reportedly completed 104 mega schools across the state, with additional projects ongoing across Borno’s 27 local government areas.
During the event, Senator Tinubu also flagged off a N200 million empowerment programme targeting 2,000 vulnerable women. Each beneficiary is expected to receive N100,000 alongside a sewing machine to support small-scale businesses and improve household income.
The First Lady praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with national efforts to strengthen community-based economic empowerment and food security programmes.
Under the distribution plan, 400 women were selected from Maiduguri metropolis, 200 from Jere Local Government Area, 100 from Biu, while 50 beneficiaries were drawn from each of the remaining 24 local government areas.
In addition, eight outstanding education workers, including teachers, head teachers, principals, TVET coordinators, and ministry staff, were presented with brand-new utility vehicles in recognition of their service.
In a related gesture, Governor Zulum also presented a house to a ministry watchman, Baba Modu Fandi, in appreciation of his dedication, while Senator Tinubu further supported him with an additional ₦2 million financial assistance.
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men are receiving treatment at a hospital in Niger State after sustaining serious injuries in a violent altercation reportedly linked to a dispute at an illegal mining site.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in a Fulani settlement near Iwa village in Gurara Local Government Area.
The sources said the matter was reported to the police on April 25 at about 1:30 p.m. after the victims were brought in by the Officer-in-Charge of Iwa Outstation.
According to the sources, the confrontation began on April 24 at about 9:00 a.m. when Jibril Yusuf, 22, allegedly went to the hut of Haruna Tukur, 35, and set him ablaze after a misunderstanding at an illegal mining site.
The sources further stated that Haruna Tukur, in retaliation, attacked Jibril Yusuf with a machete, severing his fingers during the violent exchange.
Both men were rushed to the General Hospital in Gawu Babangida, where they are currently responding to treatment.
Security operatives said investigations have commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while the case remains under active review.
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy windstorm following a downpour has caused partial damage to structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, leaving two children injured.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 8:00 p.m. when strong winds brought down parts of the camp infrastructure during the rainfall.
The sources said police personnel were immediately mobilised to the scene to restore order and provide security, while some corps members were safely evacuated from affected areas.
According to the sources, no loss of life was recorded in the incident.
However, two girls identified as Fati Abdul, 12, and Adewumi Adesola, 11, sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were taken to a medical facility, treated and later discharged.
The sources added that normalcy has since been restored at the camp, while the area remains calm and under observation to ensure continued safety of occupants.
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
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