By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Kebbi State, Mr Zailani Muhammad, has disclosed that the state government was planning to raise its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to N14 billion in 2017.
Mr Muhammad, at an interactive session on Tuesday with officials of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Birnin Kebbi, said already, the Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu-led administration has worked out plans to achieve this.
He told his guests that at the moment, Kebbi State generates about N4 billion in IGR, but said hopes are high to increase this following different initiatives of the present government, including the partnership with the Lagos State government for the production of LAKE Rice, which was sold last December.
The Commissioner further said the state government was seeking for more ways to diversify the economy and boost revenue generation in the state, especially in the time of economic challenges.
He opined that if the minerals the state is blessed with are properly harnessed, that target would be meant.
Mr Muhammad said Kebbi State was blessed with solid minerals like Manganis and Kaoline in Fakai, Danko/Wasagu, Yauri and Bagudo; Iron Ore and clay in Suru while Koko/Besse has Amber Ore and clay.
In his remarks, an official of RMAFC, Mr Ken Kayama, said they were in the state to monitor the progress of the mining sector in the state.
Mr Kayama pointed out that, “Considering the falling price of the oil and the vandalism of oil installations by the Niger Delta militants, we are discouraging the states from depending on the federation allocation.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya