Fintiri Calls For Fairer Revenue Sharing Formula To Boost State, Local Government Development
Fintiri Calls for Fairer Revenue Sharing Formula to Boost State, Local Government Development Adamawa governor urges more realistic fiscal arrangement as RMAFC continues nationwide consultation on revenue allocation review. The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has called for a more realistic and democratic revenue sharing formula in Nigeria, saying the current arrangement limits the ability of states and local governments to address pressing developmental challenges. Fintiri made the appeal as the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) continues its nationwide consultation on the review of Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula. He argued that the existing structure does not adequately reflect the responsibilities and growing financial pressures faced by subnational governments. The governor stressed that a revised formula is necessary to ensure equitable distribution of national revenue among the three tiers of government.
The RMAFC review process is part of a constitutional mandate to periodically reassess how federally generated revenue is shared among the federal, state, and local governments. The ongoing consultations are aimed at producing a more balanced formula that reflects Nigeria’s evolving economic realities, population growth, and expanded governance responsibilities at subnational levels.
Current debates around the revenue sharing system have long centred on concerns that states and local governments lack sufficient resources to effectively deliver infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social services. Governors across Nigeria have repeatedly pushed for reforms to increase the share of revenue allocated to states and local governments, arguing that decentralisation of funds is key to improving governance efficiency.
Supporters of reform believe a fairer formula would strengthen grassroots development and reduce overdependence on the federal government. However, discussions remain sensitive due to competing interests among the three tiers of government over limited national resources. The RMAFC review comes at a time of wider fiscal reforms and debates over federalism, with stakeholders calling for a revenue system that better reflects Nigeria’s economic diversity and regional needs. Analysts say the outcome of the consultation could significantly shape intergovernmental relations and development funding across the country.
The commission is expected to continue stakeholder engagement before finalising recommendations that may be submitted for legislative and executive consideration. Governors and policymakers are expected to intensify advocacy as discussions progress toward a new revenue sharing framework.
