Decries challenges in local revenue collection
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Eglah Idris, Chairman of Billiri Local Government Area (LGA) in Gombe State, Northeast Nigeria, has projected that the 2025 LGA budget will prioritize projects that directly impact the people.
She urged elected officials and community leaders to collaborate with their constituents to generate budget proposals that address the people’s most pressing needs.
Idris made the remarks during a community engagement meeting organized by the Council, bringing together representatives from various sectors of the LGA. She emphasized the Council’s commitment to involving all sections of society in the budget planning and administration process. Idris called on community leaders to consult broadly with their units and wards to ensure that critical community needs are captured in the budget.
Addressing the challenges in collecting internally generated revenue, Idris promised to revive efforts to increase revenue and ensure its effective use. She also expressed gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his leadership and support, especially in promoting community involvement in budget preparation.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, represented by Abdulrazak Abdulmumini, highlighted the importance of community engagement in the budget process, making it participatory. He encouraged communities and organized groups to present their most pressing needs at the budget formulation stage to ensure their inclusion and implementation.
In his remarks, Augustine Kurungu, Treasurer of the LGA, highlighted projects executed in the previous fiscal year, including renovations of the Council Chamber, Chairman’s office, Deputy Chairman’s office, repairs of boreholes, and renovations of the government lodge and former College of Education staff quarters in Kalmai.
Traditional and religious leaders at the meeting stressed the need for the Council to explore additional revenue sources to supplement what is received from the federation account.
Notable attendees included the Deputy Chairman, Secretary to the LGA, councillors, district and village heads, as well as representatives from religious bodies and civil society groups.
