By Queen Kunde
Kogi State Government has received the first tranche payment of thirteen percent derivation fee from the Federation Account.
Governor Yahaya Bello announced this at the commencement of the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Lokoja.
Governor Bello, who expressed delight with the development, said the action was an indication that Kogi State had been officially recognized and confirmed as an oil producing state.
According to him, history was being made as Kogi, a northern state was recognized as an oil producing state.
“Today, 20th Oct. 2022, I Alh. Yahaya Bello, Executive Governor of Kogi State, seize this opportunity to make this announcement to all of us across the world that history is being made today under my leadership that Kogi State, one of the northern states is now recognized, confirmed as an oil producing state” the Governor announced.
“This wouldn’t have been made possible without the support of Mr. President and yourself and of course the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission and all well-wishers of Kogi State. Today, Kogi State is the 1st oil producing state from the north. I thank you and on behalf of the good people and government of Kogi State, we’ll continue to appreciate and thank you sir “he added.
He expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, members of the National Economic Council as well as the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for their support.
The Governor, on behalf of the people of Kogi State, thanked the President and all those concerned for the recognition, promising continued support to the present administration.