Local Government Councils in Kwara State have been urged to adhere strictly to the budgetary provisions as highlighted in their budget proposals for the 2022 fiscal year.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Arc. Aliyu Muhammad Saifuddeen made the urge
today at the closing session of the budget scrutiny of the Councils for the year 2022.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Abdulrazak Babatunde Alabere, said the essence of the budget scrutiny was to identify the grey areas and put the Councils on their toes for proper implementation of the State government policies and programs.
Arc. Saifuddeen congratulated the Councils on the payment of minimum wage and the consequential adjustments to all strata of workers under the payroll of the Local Government.
According to him, the success recorded in the Councils was as a result of the present administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which allowed the Councils to take charge of their affairs without interference from any State apparatus as against the old practice under the previous administrations.
The Commissioner disclosed further that the dignity of workers had been restored with the timely payment of salaries, pension, and gratuity, unlike the amputated salaries which the previous administration had subjected the workers to.
He implored the Councils to look inward to boost their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and ensure the total blockage of revenue leakages to guarantee the smooth running of the Councils.
Saifuddeen reminded them of the cost of implementing the minimum wage and the payment of consequential adjustments, which had taken a chunk of their revenue with other developmental projects now begging for attention.
He, however, warned the Management of the Councils to ensure that they take the issue of IGR seriously in the face of increased Councils expenditures.
