Olu Samuel, Lokoja

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has confirmed the receipt of first payment of 13 percent derivation fund as an oil producing state.

Bello disclosed this on Wednesday at weekly Executive Council meeting held at the Lugard house seat of the state government in Lokoja

Recall that the fiscal and revenue mobilisation commission had classified Kogi State as an oil producing state,which qualified it to receive 13 percent derivation fund from the Federation account just like it’s counterpart oil producing states.

The commission however said that the state would only start to enjoy the 13 percent derivation when the Ibaji oil well start production and contribute to to the Federation account.

It’s however not clear if the oil well has commenced production

This makes Kogi the first Northerner state to enjoy such privilege in the country.

Speaking further on the development,the state information Commissioner said that it is true and expressed delight ad the development.

“This means that the Governor would have more funds to execute his many people oriented project he started” the Commissioner noted.

Asked whether the burnt Kogi State House of Assembly will now be considered as a top priority project,the commissioner said that is left to the Exco to decide when the time comes.

He said that there are many other on going projects,in the education sector, health and many other infrastructure projects,there will be more funds available to execute them.