By Yusuf Ishaku Goje
The stage is set for an epic showdown between Kaduna State’s incumbent administration and the predecessor, marking the beginning of a potentially long and intense personal and political battle. As these two political giants clash, governance will surely suffer, and dirty linens will be washed in public.
As previously classified information is being declassified, the public will get a glimpse into the (mis) management of our commonwealth. The former Governor has fired a salvo on the use of Local Government funds and the performance of the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
Obviously, the ongoing political battle is not about the people’s welfare – it’s simply a clash of personal and political interests. Ironically, these former allies now at loggerhead were singing each other’s praises just two years ago. Therefore, for the sake of objective residents, it is important to provide what the official reports say on the State’s IGR performance.
The Kaduna State Government 2023 fourth quarter budget performance report reveals that a total IGR of N62.41 billion naira was generated. This was 69.9% of the budgeted amount of N89.27 billion. Out of the total IGR, KADIRS contributed 77.1%, generating N48.13 billion above its 2023 budget target of N44.22 billion, while the remaining revenue generating MDAs (over 50) collectively contributed 29.9%.
In the 2024 fourth quarter report, it shows that N70.22 billion was generated as total IGR, out of the revised target of N131.79 billion, a 53.3% performance and 12.5% increase from the previous year. This time around, KADIRS generated N51.87 billion (a 7.7% increase from 2023) out of its budget target of N56.8 billion, contributing 73.8% to the total IGR.
So approximately, in 2023, the monthly State IGR was about N5.20 billion, out of which KADIRS as a single entity was generating N4.01 billion (77.1%). In 2024, the monthly State IGR, approximately, was about N5.85 billion, with KADIRS contributing N4.32 billion (73.9%).
Two key fundamental observations can be drawn from the IGR performance of the State, KADIRS is the highest contributor to the performance and that the revenue targets are unrealistic. The State Auditor General reports have over the years raised has overemphasized that the IGR being over-exaggerated and bogus.
So now that the publicly available official reports have spoken and contradicted what the former Governor has alleged. We look forward to the former Governor providing counter evidence to buttress his assertion. After all, it is rumored that there are usually two sets of financial data, a version for the public and a classified actual data.
If by any means that is the case, the objective residents of the State will be glad to get more declassified revelation to enable them draw independent conclusions on the allegations, which bothers on the competence of the KADIRS leadership and official misinformation.
To the people, do not be distracted. These personnel and political battles are not going to reduce poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, out-of-school children, out-of-pocket expenditure on health etc. Rather, let us engage, ask the right questions and hold the government accountable.
Goje is an active citizen, a member of the civil society and OGP enthusiast.
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