AG calls for reduction on cost of governance in Nasarawa

Nasarawa state accountant general, Zakka Yakubu, has called on the present administration to cut the cost of governance in the state.

He made the call in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Lafia, saying in view of the current economic realities, it has become difficult for the state government to meet its obligations of prompt payment to workers salaries and pension.

He added it would also enable the government to pay the backlog gratuity to retirees, provide infrastructure and other services.

He pointed out ways to cut the cost of governance to includes; total overhaul of the system towards blocking leakages, proper placement of workers on grade level base on their qualification.

He explained that a security man working in health facilities without the medical certificate is collecting medical salary structure higher than a graduate in other sectors.

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Yakubu also said that the government need to explore other means of boosting the internally generated revenue (IGR).

“The current revenue rate being used is what was inherited from Plateau State and is not tandem with the current economic realities.

“For instance, imagine producing the market receipt at the cost of N100 and issuing the same for N20 based on the law.

“This does not make economic sense, it’s better the receipts were not printed at all,” Yakubu added.

The AG also refuted the news in some quarters attributed to him that he wanted to downsize in the salaries of civil servants in the state.

The AG noted that when they were invited by the House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, he called for a cut in the governance in its entirety, but not cut in the worker’s salaries.

He explained that he is conversant with labour law and labour relationship and there is no way he would call for a cut in the worker’s salaries.

“I am also a civil servant and a financial expert, therefore, I cannot advocate for a reduction in the worker’s salaries,” the AG added.