These, by far, are not the best of times for state governors. The seeming helplessness in the face of dwindling revenue has been worrying.

Governors across the country have been put on the hot seat for not taking deliberate steps towards initiating friendly economic policies that will reduce over dependence on federation account.

In Plateau State, Governor Simon Lalong, embarked on a strategic retreat to broaden the horizon of cabinet members on policies that will step up Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state.

The retreat tagged “Delivering Effective Service in an Era of dwindling resources” was fashioned to equip the newly appointed commissioners and political appointees with the technical know-how to deliver their constitutional responsibilities and to marshal out plans on how to boost Internally Generated Revenue of the state to complement federal allocation. The retreat was organized by state government in partnership with German International Corporation (GIZ).

The federal monthly statutory allocation due to the state in the last few months after Lalong assumed office cannot at the moment, comfortably settle the wage bill of the state, much more the increasing demand for infrastructural development and social amenities from the citizenry.

What’s worse, investments in the state capital, Jos, renowned largely as the commercial cum tourist hub in the North-central geopolitical zone, has suffered over the years due to the staccato of ethnic an religious violence that has affected the state. While federal owned industries, like in other parts in the country have either folded up or operating at skeletal levels, major private investors are hesitant to come to the state.

The current state administration in a bid to turn full circle and see the private sector as critical partners in the quest to build the Plateau and reminiscent of its glory days of tourism.

Governor Lalong while declaring the retreat open, at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, assured of government’s commitment in driving the developmental process of the state in spite of dwindling resources.

He said “our economic challenges have compelled us to see ahead, look ahead, prepare ahead and be ahead, if ever we sincerely desire to make the kind of positive pact we seek to make in our sincere bid to make lighter the burden of existence for all our citizens.

“We are committed to developing our state and adding value to the lives of our citizenry, as we deliver on our five policy thrust: peace, security and good governance; human capital development and social welfare; agriculture and rural development; entrepreneurship and industrialization; and physical infrastructure and environment.

“For this Policy Thrust to be reliable, I must emphasize that Team Spirit, financial prudence, discipline, dedication to duty, Leadership drive and strategic Implementation of policies, programs and actions are necessary ingredients for success.

“The Theme of this Retreat, “Delivering Effective Service with Less Resources” is therefore most appropriate, and I would urge you to all begin a process of critical thinking on the quick fixes that would make you hit the ground running in your various Ministries and Agencies.

“Let me reiterate once again like I stated at the swearing in of EXCO members that, we have already set in place strategic initiatives and programs with time lines, over short, medium and long terms, for the actualization of our Policy Thrust, which will be unveiled at this Retreat.

“I will be expecting your updated implementation strategies that will accelerate Government’s efforts to address the many developmental and social welfare challenges demanding immediate attention of Government”.

He affirmed “the determination of our government to create the enabling environment that will grow our economy through public and private sector participation. The reforms and structural adjustment at the federal and state levels, aimed at cutting the cost of governance and exploring alternative sources of funding are the change ideology we will work upon to transform the state and deliver on the promises we made to our people”

He pray fervently that at the end of the Retreat, participant will all leave with renewed vigour, strategic know how and innovative skills needed for forging the kind of Platform, that would guarantee the delivery of the dividends of democracy, and assured that now that the die is cast “we are now on the threshold of proving worthy of the trust our people have placed in our hands; With God on our side, we will succeed.”

But the Minister for Transport, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was a resource person at the retreat, made a pragmatic observation.

He advised Governor Lalong to avoid any kind of friction with the legislature for a smooth and rancour free governance during his tenure.

He urged Lalong and members of the State Executive Council to align with the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari, by being transparent, accountable and corrupt free, where the interest of the state will be pursue vigorously.

Amaechi described the legislature as a chief tool in the success of every administration and charged the commissioners to imbibe the spirit of humility, transparency and corrupt free to avoid friction with the legislature; adding that “it is only when you are corrupt that the legislators will invite you for investigation and then you will be panicking, but when you are transparent, responsible and corrupt free, no body will go after you and you will have harmonious relationship with the legislature” he stated.

In the same vein, the SSG Hon. Bature who gave the welcoming, address said it is unfortunate, but interesting that the retreat is coming at a time when the sliding price of oil has resulted in to a downfall of revenue allocation to the three tiers of government.

He added that “we must do everything to discourage the “pool him down syndrome” that has eaten deep in to the fabric of our political system. We must do everything possible to discourage those, who after looting the treasury,are now trying to truncate democracy through unnecessary propaganda.

“Our governor said the fight against corruption must be intensified. This campaign should not be left to EFCC of ICPC alone, but should be the responsibility of all of us if we want to succeed as a nation.

He pointed out that the Governor has not only demonstrated commitment and fight against corruption, but has exhibited a good leadership quality that has redefined the concept of democracy and effective governance on the Plateau” he submitted.

Some of the other resources persons who delivered papers at the retreat included technocrats, academicians and religious leaders.

They include Hon. Babatunde Fashola, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Rev. Dr. Mathew Hassan Kuka,Most Rev. Benjamin Kwashi, Dr. Khalid Aliyu, Prof. Dakas C. Dakas, and Barr. Harun Audu among others.

Expectedly, resolutions were reached after the three-days exercise. The communique which was read by Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Rufus Bature, said “in view of dwindling resources, from the Federation Account, government agencies must look inward to expand the sources and amount of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

“Government will continue to work and improve its collaboration with development partners and multilateral agencies for the common good.

“Education, Agriculture and Health Sectors, which are key elements to development of the state and welfare of the people have been neglected for long; and to arrest the continued decay, a total overhaul is imperative.

“That we, the members of the State Executive Council will committed to, and be driven by the fear of God, accountability, integrity, innovation and harmonious coexistence of our people.

“That we, members of the state Executive Council will strive o offer selfless and effective service to our people even in the face of dwindling resources.

He further noted “That we, members of the State Executive Council will remain focused on the development of the State in line with the 5 Policy Thrust of the Rescue administration”.

The retreat also emphasized that “ peace and security being the bedrock of any meaningful development, government will continue to work in partnership with, and support all relevant security agencies, NGOs and communities involved in peace building process in the state”.

However for most analysts, resolutions have never been in short supply, what has, is the will to follow through with them by all the stakeholders, chief of which is the state government.

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Simon Lalong continues to search for economic rebirth amidst Plateau’s dwindling fortunes