Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has said that borrowing by a government should not automatically be seen as a sign of failure, insisting that what matters is whether such loans are lawful, transparent and used for projects that benefit the people.
The governor made the remarks on Thursday during his Independence Day broadcast to the people of Taraba State, where he also called on citizens to hold his administration accountable through responsible and fact-based scrutiny of public spending.
As part of efforts to promote transparency, Kefas directed the state’s financial authorities to prepare and make available a comprehensive statement showing Taraba’s verified debt position, inherited financial obligations, loans accessed, repayments made, debt-servicing commitments and projects financed.
According to him, every citizen has the right to know how public funds are managed.
“Every citizen has the right to ask what the government borrows, why it borrows, how it will be repaid and what it has delivered. I welcome responsible scrutiny, accountability and fact-based criticism.”
The governor, however, cautioned against what he described as the use of incomplete financial records to mislead the public.
“What I reject is the use of incomplete figures and distorted records to frighten the public. Let me speak plainly. This administration inherited debts and other obligations. We have continued to service them while paying salaries and pensions, maintaining public services, funding security and executing projects.”
Kefas acknowledged that his administration had obtained loans where necessary, stressing that such decisions were taken within the law and in the interest of the state’s development.
“Yes, where necessary, the government has accessed, and may continue to access, lawful financing facilities. We are not hiding that fact. Borrowing is not automatically evidence of failure. What matters is whether it is lawful, affordable, transparent and invested productively.”
He added that borrowing should never replace prudent financial planning, disciplined spending and efforts to improve internally generated revenue.
The governor said discussions about Taraba’s finances must present the complete picture, including inherited liabilities, approved loans, actual amounts drawn and how the funds were utilised.
“I am directing the relevant financial authorities to be ready to make available a clear, reconciled and accessible statement showing our verified debt position, inherited obligations, amounts drawn, repayments made, debt-servicing requirements and projects financed.”
Kefas further assured residents that the state’s financial records would remain open to lawful scrutiny, while government projects would be visible and decisions fully explainable to the people.
“As Governor, I take responsibility for the lawful financial and policy decisions of my administration. I will account for my stewardship. Our objective is to reduce existing obligations, grow internally generated revenue, expand the productive economy and prevent an unsustainable burden for my eventual successor.”
The governor’s comments come amid growing public interest in the debt profile of many Nigerian states, with citizens and civil society organisations increasingly demanding greater transparency and accountability in public finance management. His administration said it remains committed to balancing development needs with fiscal responsibility while ensuring that borrowed funds are invested in projects that improve the lives of the people of Taraba State.
