Kwara 2023: Hakeem Lawal Projects N10bn Monthly IGR
By Oyewale Oyelola
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Kwara State, Alhaji Hakeem Lawal has projected N10billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), when elected.
Hakeem Lawal disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at Governorship Debate organised by Kwara Tabloid, an interactive platform for stakeholders in the state.
“The current monthly Internally Generated Revenue of Kwara State is about N2billion monthly including non-spendable. This is still low compare to overhead and resources needed for infrastructural development, salaries and other financial commitment of the state.” He explained.
“What our administration would do is to reduce activities of consultants in revenue generation and motivate staff of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS). This help the state accrue more revenue because consultants will take percentage. We will improve staff welfare and reward excellent performance of civil servants.”
The 47-year-old International Financial expert promised to give 30 percent to youths in his administration.
His words: “I intend to give youths 30% stake in my government. However, it won’t just be about number but competence and capacities to handle and deliver on the jobs.”
Speaking on Local Government administration, Hakeem Lawal who is the first of late Governor Mohammed Lawal (1999-2003) vowed to give the third tier of government full autonomy.
The SDP Governorship Candidate said autonomy of local government would fast track grassroots development and reduce pressure on the state government.
“My government will give priority to LGA autonomy and sports development as well. We will spread dividends of democracy to grassroots with effective local government administration.” Hakeem Lawal reiterated.
The Governorship Candidates of Peoples Democratic Party, Abdullahi Shuaib Yaman, Alhaji Yakub Gobir of YPP and Prof Oba Shuiab AbdulRaheem also attended the 1st Kwara Tabloid Governorship Debate held at Kwara Hotel, Ilorin.