Abia State Targets N120bn IGR in 2025 as Government Focuses on Development

The Abia State Government has set an ambitious revenue target of ₦120 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the 2025 fiscal year, marking a 207% increase from the previous year.  

The state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, made this disclosure on Monday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, which was chaired by Governor Alex Otti. Kanu emphasized the importance of IGR in funding developmental projects across the state.  

 
According to Kanu, any responsible government must prioritize internally generated revenue to drive development. He noted that Abia State has significantly improved its revenue generation since the inception of Governor Otti’s administration.  

Any responsible government at all levels, whether at the federal or sub-national levels, takes the issue of internally generated revenue very seriously. This is because it is the IGR that enables the government to support and sustain its developmental programmes.  

“The Abia State Government is not different. Since the inception of this government, the state has done very well in its pursuit of Internally Generated Revenue,” Kanu stated.  

He also revealed that the government had exceeded its IGR target for the previous fiscal year, signaling progress in revenue collection and economic growth.   

Kanu also provided updates on the state's ongoing teacher recruitment process, revealing that over 17,000 applications had been received for the primary and secondary school teaching positions recently advertised by the government.  

The recruitment process, he assured, would be merit-based and transparent.  

 “So far, about 17,000 applications have been received and processed, and the numbers are still counting. The shortlisted candidates will undergo a computer-based test (CBT), and those who pass will attend an oral interview. Only successful candidates from this process will be recruited.”  

This move aligns with the government's commitment to improving the quality of education in the state.  

On the healthcare front, Kanu disclosed that a Belgium-based medical organization, Revive, had just concluded a medical mission in Abia State with impressive results.  

The mission, which took place at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), led to:  
- 114 major surgeries, including complicated cases.  
- 915 patients treated for various medical conditions.  
- The procurement of advanced medical equipment for ABSUTH.  

Kanu praised the mission’s impact, stating that it had boosted the healthcare sector by ensuring that modern medical technologies were available at ABSUTH.

With a bold revenue target of ₦120 billion, an extensive recruitment process for teachers, and a successful medical mission, the Abia State Government is demonstrating its commitment to economic growth, education, and healthcare development. The coming months will be crucial in seeing how the government achieves its ambitious goals.