Lokoja: The Kogi Government has announced the successful clearance of a N98.8 billion debt within the first 15 months of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration. The impressive fiscal achievement was reported by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris, during a press briefing held after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Idris elaborated that the liquidated debts were inherited from previous administrations, including N8 billion in bonds from the former Idris Wada administration and N50.8 billion salary bailout from the last administration led by Yahaya Bello. Additionally, infrastructure loans totaling N40 billion, comprising a N10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan, N15 billion from Zenith Bank, and N15 billion from UBA Plc, have also been cleared. Idris emphasized that these actions reflect Governor Ododo’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic recovery, which has led to Fitch Ratings upgrading Kogi State’s credit rating from ‘B-‘ to ‘B’ with a stable outlook.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, highlighted the governor’s dedication to grassroots development, economic sustainability, and infrastructural growth. Governor Ododo, during the meeting, urged government officials to maintain close contact with local communities to ensure responsive governance. He also directed officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics to support indigenous industries, advocating for a cultural and economic renaissance from within the state.
Fanwo also reported significant progress in infrastructure projects, citing that perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, is nearly complete, with both male and female hostels already accommodating students. Similar projects at Kogi State University, Kabba, are advancing well. In a move to improve public safety, the council approved a bill to restrict heavy truck movement during peak hours in Lokoja, and another bill for establishing the Kogi State Agency for Climate Change, addressing global environmental challenges.
Fanwo reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration remains dedicated to making governance more visible and impactful for the people of Kogi State.