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Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State
The Kogi State Government has reinforced its commitment to sustainable development through strategic revenue reforms and healthcare investments aimed at improving public services and infrastructure.
At the unveiling of the implementation of the Land Use Charge Law 2024, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Salihu Enehe, emphasised that taxation is more than a levy—it is an investment in the state’s future.
He noted that streamlining revenue collection would enhance transparency and ensure sustainable economic growth.
“The ongoing tax reforms aim to streamline revenue collection, promote transparency, and ensure that all stakeholders contribute their fair share towards the state’s development,” Enehe stated at the event held at the KGIRS head office in Lokoja.
He described the Land Use Charge as a crucial step toward boosting revenue for local governments, fostering data-driven decision-making, and paving the way for smart city development and job creation in the state.
“Today marks a pivotal step in strengthening our revenue base for infrastructure development. The Land Use Charge is not just a levy; it is an investment in better infrastructure, improved public services, and a greater future for all Kogi residents,” he added.
Enehe called on stakeholders to collaborate with the KGIRS to ensure the success of the initiative, adding, “A well-structured revenue system is the foundation of good governance. By embracing the Land Use Charge, you are helping to empower the government to deliver more impactful projects that will benefit businesses, communities, and future generations.”
In a parallel effort to improve healthcare, the Kogi State Government has commissioned a 60KVA solar-powered cold room and distributed Solar Direct Drive refrigerators and cooking utensils to selected primary healthcare centres across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution of the refrigerators, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Abdullazeez, described the initiative as a “significant leap forward” in the state’s efforts to enhance routine immunization and maternal-child nutrition.
“The deployment of solar refrigerators and cooking utensils marks a significant leap forward in our quest to improve immunization coverage and promote maternal and child nutrition,” he said, urging stakeholders to remain committed to the shared vision of a healthier and more resilient Kogi.
Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Musa Mu’azu, explained that the initiative aims to strengthen immunisation services and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for children.
He noted that recipient PHCs were selected based on critical needs, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas with low routine immunization coverage.
“We are proud to announce that a total of 246 SDD refrigerators have been installed across the state, replacing outdated units as needed,” Mu’azu stated. “Today, we deploy an additional 20 units to further strengthen vaccine storage capacity and ensure uninterrupted immunization services.”
Additionally, the state government, through the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria project, is distributing cooking utensils to 19 local government areas, with five PHCs in each, totaling 95 PHCs.
“These utensils will aid food demonstrations during antenatal care services, which are crucial in promoting maternal, infant, and young child nutrition,” Mu’azu explained.
The Vaccine Security and Logistics Consultant for the United Nations Children’s Fund, Olumide Adeyeye, commended the Kogi State Government for its commitment to healthcare improvement, stating that the initiative would have a lasting impact on residents’ well-being.
“Kogi has made history by installing a 60KVA solar inverter at its cold store, a pioneering achievement in Nigeria. UNICEF is proud to support this initiative,” Adeyeye said.
These combined efforts underscore Kogi State’s dedication to fiscal responsibility, public health enhancement, and sustainable development, positioning the state as a model for effective governance in Nigeria.
