Lagos deputy governor advocates increased revenue streams to address poverty

The deputy governor said Nigeria had immense potential but lacked sufficient resources to cater for its citizens.

News Agency of Nigeria • November 16, 2024

Lagos deputy governor Obafemi Hamzat [Credit: The Guardian Nigeria]

Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has emphasised the need for Nigeria to diversify and expand its revenue streams to support its citizens and alleviate poverty.

Mr Hamzat spoke at the closing of a three-day 2024 management retreat of the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment in Ikeja on Saturday.

The deputy governor said Nigeria had immense potential but lacked sufficient resources to cater for its citizens. He said it was crucial to scale up Nigeria’s revenue base.

“We need to explore alternative revenue sources to support the people, thereby reducing poverty,” said Mr Hamzat. “Also, effective collaboration with other government agencies is essential to achieving the vision of economic growth and development.”

Mr Hamzat highlighted the vital role of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in interacting with multinational entities and creating employment opportunities.

He called for the establishment of a unit within the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, which would be dedicated to securing grants and revenues.

Mr Hamzat also stressed the need to safeguard the nation’s investments.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folasade Ambrose-Medebem, said there was a need for the ministry staff to demonstrate enthusiasm for achieving a greater Lagos.

The commissioner said the ministry had critical roles to play as the backbone of the state’s economy.

She said, “The mandate of the ministry is something that needs to be edged in everyone’s memory, and what is critical is your role in achieving that mandate.

“The ministry is committed to exploring ways to leverage the potential of the cooperatives in achieving the desired outcomes and to harness data for better decision-making.”

Sam Egube, the deputy chief of staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his presentation entitled “Take Part, Take Pride, Deliver Excellence”, stressed the importance of staff involvement in achieving the ministry’s mission and vision.

Mr Egube said the workers should regularly develop their capacities to achieve the ministry’s mandate.

He regretted that bureaucracy in civil service could impede the involvement of junior workers in sharing needed experiences and ideas.

(NAN)

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