The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has cautioned state officials to cut down on frequent and unnecessary trips to Abuja, while reiterating the need to reduce the cost of governance.
Speaking during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held yesterday in Bauchi, the governor said the state’s financial situation demands prudence and focus.
“We have to minimise the cost of governance. Travelling to Abuja should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary. We cannot afford it because we have not met our revenue generation targets,” he said.
Governor Mohammed expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s current budget performance, noting that many of the government’s fiscal goals remain unmet.
“Our performance is very poor. What we planned to do within the fiscal year has not been achieved, and it is not because we lack the capacity,” he stated.
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The governor also announced a shift in the date of the State Investment Summit, initially scheduled for July, now postponed to October.
He said the change was necessary to allow for better participation from international partners and corporate stakeholders, many of whom will be on midyear break during the originally planned period.
“We had to move the summit based on expert advice. July is midyear, and many members of the diplomatic community and private sector are away on holiday. We want full participation, not a half-filled event,” he said.
This is as he urged the media to help publicize the new date for the benefit of invited guests and the general public.