Restructure IGR agencies and processes, APC SGSs demand

The two-day inaugural quarterly meeting of the All Progressives Congress Secretaries to Governments of States ended in Lagos over the weekend, with the participants advising APC Member States to restructure their Internally Generated Revenue agencies and processes.
The Secretaries said this can be done by adopting a private sector model and application of modern technologies, which will lead to improved revenue base.
In a communiqué read by the Secretary to the Government of Lagos State, Tunji Bello, the meeting while appreciating the efforts played by the Federal and State Governments in tackling insurgency, also recommended the setting up of Security Trust Funds in APC states as part of more proactive measures to be taken regarding all security challenges.
It was also agreed by the Secretaries to Governments of States that in recognition of the Social Investment Programmes already rolled out by the Governments, further development of more initiatives to reduce social tension, youth restiveness and poverty should be embarked upon.
The meeting also said in recognition of social Investment Programmes already rolled out by both State and Federal Governments, further development of more initiatives to reduce social tension, youth restiveness and reduce poverty should take place.
It also suggested that more resources should be deployed to intra and interstate infrastructural development to facilitate effective integration and easy movement of people, goods and services
The participants also called for more collaboration and cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels amongst the APC states to promote common focus that addresses the issues of agriculture more effectively, adding that this will promote self-sufficiency in food production and provide employment for the youths.
The meeting agreed to continually share information, ideas and knowledge through its quarterly meetings and the PGF Secretariat to promote synergy across the Member States and facilitate greater cooperation for sustainable development.
Eighteen APC SGSs and the representative of the World Bank, Eme Essien Lore, who is the Country Manager, Nigeria of the International Finance Corporation, attended the meeting, which was declared open by Governor Akinwumni Ambode of Lagos State, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule.
It was resolved that the next Quarterly meeting will hold in Sokoto at a date to be determined.