Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has demanded for a more realistic and equitable revenue sharing formula to address developmental challenges at the state and local government levels.
Fintiri made the call in a statement posted on the Facebook page of one of his spokesperson, Jamila J. Tanko on Wednesday.
The governor who was speaking when he received a delegation from the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) at Government House, Yola, said the current revenue allocation system no longer reflects present-day realities, adding that state governments now shoulder increasing responsibilities, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and security.
According to him, a review of the formula was long overdue, urging the commission to recommend a fairer system that would better support states and local governments.
The governor said strengthening subnational governments would reduce pressure on the Federal Government and improve service delivery, just as he declared support for the ongoing review process.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State, Mohammed Ismail, said they were in the state to verify and update data used in revenue allocation among the three tiers of government.
Ismail said the verification is backed by constitutional provisions which ensures that the revenue sharing formula reflects current socio-economic realities, including population changes, infrastructure development, and emerging national challenges.
He said the commission has made significant progress in the review process and is currently validating data that will inform a revised allocation formula, adding that the outcome of the exercise would have far-reaching implications for the federation and assured that the commission would carry out its assignment with professionalism, transparency, and integrity.
