The Kogi government said it has cleared N98.8 billion in debt within the last 15 months of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration.

The commissioner for finance, budget and economic planning, Asiwaju Idris, made this known at a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Mr Idris said the liquidated N98.8 billion debt was inherited from previous administrations.

According to him, the breakdown of the liquidated debt includes the ₦8 billion in bonds from the former Idris Wada administration and the ₦50.8 billion salary bailout from the last administration of Yahaya Bello.

“In addition, the N10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan, N15 billion infrastructure loans from Zenith Bank and another N15 billion from UBA Plc have also been cleared.

“This is a landmark achievement. His Excellency Governor Ododo has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to economic recovery.

“In total, within 15 months, we have cleared ₦98.8 billion in inherited debt,” Mr Idris said.

He added that Fitch Ratings has upgraded Kogi State’s credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, with a stable outlook, citing prudent financial management.

Also speaking, the commissioner for information and communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the governor, during the meeting, reaffirmed his administration commitment to grassroots development, economic sustainability, and infrastructural growth.

He said the governor tasked government officials to remain close to the grassroots and ensure constant engagement with the people, noting that such connection is key to responsive governance.

“We are in government to serve the people, and that means staying connected to their needs and aspirations,” he added.

Mr Fanwo said that as part of efforts to boost the local economy, the governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries.

“The governor encouraged Kogites to take pride in local products and lead a cultural and economic renaissance from within.

“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Mr Fanwo said.

On infrastructure, Mr Fanwo disclosed that perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, is 90 per cent completed, while both male and female hostels have been completed and are already housing students.

“Similar projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, are progressing satisfactorily.

“To improve public safety, the council also approved a bill to restrict the movement of heavy trucks during peak hours within Lokoja metropolis.

“Another bill was approved for the establishment of the Kogi State Agency for Climate Change as part of a forward-thinking response to global environmental challenges,” he said.

Mr Fanwo stressed that Mr Ododo’s administration remained committed to making governance more visible and impactful. 

(NAN)