The Katsina State government said it collected N4.08 billion as internally generated revenue (IGR) in the first quarter of 2024.

Governor Dikko Radda’s chief press secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Katsina.

According to him, the figure indicated a 227 per cent increase compared to the N1.79 billion generated during the same period in 2023.

He attributed the feat to the administration’s unwavering commitment to plugging leakages in the state’s financial system.

Mr Kaula added that Mr Radda’s administration had strategically positioned the state to exceed its current capacity and shatter revenue projections.

“Estimates indicate that the state is poised to surpass the N20 billion mark in internal revenue generation for 2024.

“A feat that seemed unimaginable in previous years when the range hovered between N10 billion and N14 billion,” he said.

Mr Kaula added that at the heart of this financial renaissance lies Mr Radda’s visionary ‘Building Your Future’ policy document, a blueprint that has paved the way for groundbreaking initiatives.

He listed some initiatives to include the State Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the recently implemented E-tax billing system.

“These reforms have not only streamlined tax and revenue collections, but have also fostered an inclusive environment, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the quest for economic growth.

“One of the key catalysts for this extraordinary success has been the administration’s unwavering commitment to plugging leakages in the state’s financial system.

“By identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities, Gov. Radda’s team has effectively stemmed the tide of revenue loss, paving the way for an unprecedented influx of resources,” he said.

According to the CPS, Mr Radda’s overarching objective is to empower the state to achieve fiscal self-sufficiency.

This will enable it to offset its monthly and annual wage bills solely through internally generated revenue by 2027.

Mr Kaula expressed confidence that ambitious goal may be realised even sooner than anticipated at the current pace of progress.

(NAN)