Akwa Ibom State Government assures banks of business patronage

 

Akwa Ibom State government has  assured bank operators in the State of mutual partnership, and a favorable business environment.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Okon gave the assurance while interacting with members of the Banker’s Forum during a meeting at the Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Uyo, recently.

The Commissioner who acknowledged that Banking industry serves as a veritable tool for employment generation ,which is one of the cardinal principles of the Udom-led administration, said that government’s patronage was critical to the sustenance of the employment capacity in the State.

He however expressed displeasure over certain anomalies which he termed inimical to the well being of the State, such as non remittance of government  revenue as at when due, operation of several revenue accounts in a particular bank, and non compliance with the Apex bank’s directives on COT charges by some of the banks.

The Commissioner therefore stressed the need for them to align with stipulated rules, and further directed that revenue funds be channelled into one account to ensure transparency and accountability.

Some of the Bankers who spoke during the meeting lauded State government’s gesture ,describing it as a step in the right direction.

They pledged their readiness to work as a team to render the necessary support to one of their own, Governor Udom Emmanuel while soliciting  government’s intervention in the even spread of business patronage , as well as resolution of pending issue bothering on the sack of some of their members, and also prayed for regular interface.

The meeting had in attendance the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Eme-Ette Imuk and bank representatives across the State.