By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo.
The general manager of Taraba tractor hiring unit (THU), engr, Danladi Shatalis, has stated the 15 years of recurrent zero on internal generation revenue (IGR) of the agency was over.
Shatalis who dropped the hint shortly after presentation of 2025 budget defense in Jalingo said era of recurrent decimal on zero IGR has been put to rest as the current management team of the agency have recorded not less than N600,000 into government coffer just in two months operation without a single tractor.
According to him, the agency was targeting over N1 million before the year round offs, pointing out that by the time its request was approved by the state government, THU will move to the next level without necessarily competing with other agencies in the state.
While he appreciated the existing collaboration between staff and the management of the agency, the general manager re-iterated that since assumption on board, the Target was to ensure that governor Agbu Kefas vision to move agricultural sector forward remain unchanged and vow to deal with any staff found tempering with IGR meant for state government.
Engr. Shatalis who applauded the present administration’s policy on agricultural sector within period under review, underscores the need for governor Kefas’s rescue mission to THU in the area of funds to enable the agency carry out major renovations, overhaul and general repairs of entire unit Premises aimed at relocating all roads side tractor mechanics to THU maintenance workshop for effective coordination and increase generation. “we are professionals, we will not allow THU to be dormant, we want to offer consultancy services to the general public and by the time all renovations are completed, our dear governor will be around to commission all the projects in THU”, he said.
Shatalis outlined other challenges facing THU to include urgent provision of two operational vehicles (HILUX) and six motorcycles (two each) for the three district zones in the state for effective monitoring and coordination of its activities for optimum result.
Commenting on 2025 budget defense committee members, the general manager urged the state government to sustain the team even after the current assignment, describing the combinations as highly professionals and technocrats who have the interest of the governor and people of the state at heart.