In an effort to diversify its economy, Bauchi State government on Tuesday held a stakeholders’ meeting with a view to harnessing other sectors of the economy and boost its Internally Generated Revenue.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Aminu Hassan Gamawa made this known during the stakeholders’ engagement on diversification of Bauchi State Economy held at Zaranda Hotel Bauchi.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu, the Commissioner said the engagement with the stakeholders was to look inward towards identifying the areas that will contribute to the economic advancement of the state.
“I welcome you to this important engagement on behalf of the Honorable Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Aminu Hassan Gamawa, the whole essence of this interactive session is on economic diversification as it will not be good for us to continue relying on federation accounts.”
“We are now collaborating with the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to look inward in harnessing other sources of revenue generation because we have a lot of economic opportunities in Bauchi state especially in the areas of Tourism, Agriculture and solid minerals'”he said.
Dr Aminu Gamawa reassured the readiness of the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to key into its economic diversification strategy in order to achieve the desired objectives.
The Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Bauchi State, Honorable Abdulrazaq Nuhu Zaki pledged the readiness of his ministry towards supporting various initiatives geared towards the economic development of the state.
In a keynote address, a member of the Mobilization and Diversification Committee in the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr Patrick Ngedu said the commission will continue to support and assist government at all levels on fiscal efficiency in which their revenue can be enhanced.
Mr. Patrick Ngedu who was represented by Ahmed Maikano, said the commission is ready to assist Bauchi state government to find lasting solutions to challenges militating against optimum performance in revenue generation from other sectors of economy in the state.
“Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, our Commission has embarked on an Assessment Tour of Economic Diversification Projects and Programmes to further trigger the states to harness other sectors of the economy other than oil and gas in contributing to GDP of the nation.”
