Ibrahim Ibrahim
Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotion Initiative (ELIP-I) has urged Jigawa State Government to break from the cycle of fiscal dependence by adopting a strategic investment framework to ensure the state’s economic self-reliance for future generations.
This was contained in a press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the ELIP-I Executive Director, Isah Mustapha.
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He said the initiative will help reduce heavy reliance on the Federal Government’s allocations and PAYE.
He explained that Evidence from past budgets and revenue performance shows that a large percentage of the state’s IGR is generated from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) deductions, a limited and unsustainable model.
According to the statement
“As civil society actors committed to inclusive growth, public accountability, and sustainable development in Jigawa State, we at ELIP-Initiative call on the State Executive Council to adopt a deliberate, future-focused approach in the deployment of public resources, particularly the proposed ₦3 billion earmarked for economic development”
“In light of persistent fiscal volatility and the state’s heavy reliance on federal allocations, this fund presents a transformative opportunity to reposition Jigawa’s economy. Evidence from past budgets and revenue performance shows that a large percentage of the state’s IGR is generated from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) deductions a limited and unsustainable model’
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“To break this cycle and build a resilient revenue base, we strongly recommend that the ₦3 billion approved by the Jigawa State executive Council be invested in well-targeted, revenue-generating sectors that harness Jigawa’s comparative advantages not building shops in Kano”
“These include: Agro-Processing & Industrial Clusters, Mechanised Commercial Farming, Livestock Market Modernisation, Transport Terminals and Parks in major towns and markets, Property Tax Reform, Tourism Sector Activation and, ICT and Innovation Hub”
Mr. Isah noted that if these strategies are systematically implemented, the ₦3 billion will not only yield multiple streams of internally generated revenue but also trigger widespread job creation, boost investor confidence, and lift thousands of households out of poverty.
He added that the ELIP initiative is also deeply concerned about the recent approval of over ₦500 million for “extra lessons” for foreign students, which raises urgent questions about the quality of the schools.
“At a time when the government is making efforts to address challenges facing many public schools, such as a lack of basic infrastructure and qualified teachers, such spending demands immediate scrutiny. It is crucial to investigate not only the rationale behind this expenditure but also the status of the foreign school”
The statement therefore urges the State Executive Council to Pause and reflect before committing funds to projects that do not yield a sustainable return