Abia Government To Review Lease On Cattle Market, Quarries

The new administration in Abia State has said that it will review the lease on popular Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunnochi Local Government Area.

The state government also disclosed that revenues accruing from the market and quarry sites in Umunnochi will be properly harmonised to block revenue leakages in line with Governor Alex Otti’s zero-tolerance for fraud.

The State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, made this known at Abia State Government House, Umuahia, during a meeting revenue stakeholders in the state. 

He said that the purpose of the meeting was to brainstorm on methodologies for enhancing the revenue profile of the state.

This he said would ensure speedy infrastructural development in all the component areas to make life more meaningful for the people.

He requested that permanent secretaries, directors of administration, and directors of finance of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) forward to his office detailed reports of their transactions.

Emetu disclosed that henceforth all the ministries in the state will have 20% of whatever revenue they generate.

He also directed the chairman of the state’s Board of Internal Revenue to provide the Office of the Deputy Governor details of the revenue windows available in the State, including haulage, emblems, special trade permits, daily tickets, and remuneration among others.

The deputy governor further said that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is focused on ensuring that Abia is removed from its financial mess.

He encouraged the stakeholders to support Governor Otti.

Responding on behalf of the stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Sam Egwu, promised that they will comply with all the policies of the new administration.