By Rabiu Doma, Nasarawa
The Governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has identified the present Revenue Allocation Formula as the major hiccup facing some non-oil producing state particularly the northern part of Nigeria. He stated that the current sharing formula of national wealth favors the Federal Government and the southern states with oil wells.
The Governor who made the statement at an event held in Lafia – titled public hearing on review of Revenue Allocation Formula in Nigeria for the North Central Zone – where he was represented by his deputy, Dameshi Luka – said the review of allocation comes at a time some states including Nasarawa state are financially ruined.
He further emphasized on the need to allocate certain percentage to Nasarawa state because of her abundant solid minerals. He emphasized on the need for equitable sharing of resource as well given utmost attention to security and the educational sector.
He called on the participants and the leadership of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission to advocate on the funding of security and primary education. “I urge the participants to carefully acknowledge these key areas of the economy”.
He called on the Federal Government to beam her searchlight to the allocation of more fund to the state due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory [FCT], saying that the influx of people to Karu, the gateway to the FCT and its environ have overstretched the existing infrastructures.
He stated that the review of Revenue Allocation Formula will ensure even and rapid development and national integration as enshrined in the nations constitution. He attributed the woes of the country to the current formula that favors only few states.
The chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Engr. Elias Mbam said RMAFC by virtue of paragraph 32 (b) part 1 of the third schedule of the 1999 constitution as amended is empowered to review from time to time, the revenue allocation Formula and principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities.
