The Director-General, World Trade Organization Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has advised State Governors to adopt new technology that will boost their internally Generated Revenues IGR, and avoid over reliance on external borrowing.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala gave the advice in Abuja, at the induction for newly elected governors and re-elected ones.
The Director-General of World Trade Organization Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala who said revenue generation was one of the critical elements that would help to enhance development urged State Governors to diversify their revenues to promote development at various levels.
President Muhammadu Buhari represented by the Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, who commended the Nigerian Governors Forum for their efforts in the promotion of unity in the country irrespective of political parties, advised the incoming governors to deliver on their campaign promises
According to Radio Nigeria, the Country Director, World Bank Dr. Shubham Chaudhuri, said the bank had made efforts to eradicate poverty in Nigeria and pledged the commitment to support Nigeria with funds for developmental projects.
In a presentation on Governance and Accountability, the Chairman Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu said with the population of over 200 million and majority as youths, governors must diversify their revenue base to initiate programmes that would make youths to be self reliant.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal reminded all governors of the task ahead and advised them to promote policies that would promote the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations Ms Amina Mohammed advised Nigeria to initiate policies that would preserve the environment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
Other speakers at the event include the Mayor of New York, Mr. Eric Adams who advised governors to be prudent in financial management to promote accountability.
The Induction programme was first conceived and inaugurated in 2011 as a transition programme for outgoing governors as they prepare for life after office.
It was also to equip the incoming governors, with information that will help in promoting good governance.
The theme for this year’s induction for Governors is Governing for Impact; Building sub national governance
