Restructure IGR mechanisms, SSGs tasks APC states

Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs) in All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled  states have urged member states to restructure their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Agencies and processes by adopting a private sector model and application of modern technologies to improve their revenue base.

The SSGs made this call after rising from a 2-day inaugural quarterly meeting they held in Lagos, even as they also recommended the setting up of Security Trust Funds in APC-controlled states as part of proactive measures to address all security challenges, while also appreciating the efforts made so far by the Federal and state governments in tackling insurgency.

Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, who read out a communique issued at the end of the meeting, said the SSGs, in recognition of the Social Investment Programmes already rolled out by the governments, agreed that further development of more initiatives to reduce social tension, youth restiveness and poverty should be embarked upon.

The group, according to Bello, also suggested that more resources should be deployed to intra and inter-state infrastructural development to facilitate effective integration and easy movement of people, goods and services.

The participants also called for more collaboration and cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels amongst the APC states to promote common focus that addresses the issues of agriculture more effectively, adding that this will promote self-sufficiency in food production and provide employment for the youths.

The meeting agreed to continually share information, ideas and knowledge through its quarterly meetings and the secretariat to promote synergy across the member-states and facilitate greater cooperation for sustainable development.

Eighteen (18) APC SGSs and the representative of the World Bank, Ms Eme Essien Lore; Country Manager, Nigeria, International Finance Corporation (IFC), among others attended the meeting which was declared open by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr (Mrs) Idiat Adebule.

Besides, it was resolved that the next quarterly meeting will hold in Sokoto, at a date to be determined.