The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has called for a more realistic and democratic revenue sharing formula to address developmental challenges at the state and local government levels.

Fintiri made the call while receiving a delegation from the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) at Government House, Yola.

The governor stressed that the current revenue allocation system no longer reflects present-day realities, noting that state governments now shoulder increasing responsibilities, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and security.

He argued that a review of the formula was long overdue, urging the commission to recommend a fairer system that would better support states and local governments.

According to him, strengthening subnational governments would reduce pressure on the federal government and improve service delivery.

Fintiri also expressed support for the ongoing review process, assuring the delegation of the state government’s cooperation in ensuring the exercise yields meaningful results.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State, Mohammed Ismail, said the visit was part of a nationwide exercise to verify and update data used in revenue allocation among the three tiers of government.

He explained that the exercise, backed by constitutional provisions, aims to ensure that the revenue sharing formula reflects current socio-economic realities, including population changes, infrastructure development, and emerging national challenges.

Ismail noted that the commission has made significant progress in the review process and is currently validating data that will inform a revised allocation formula.

He commended the Adamawa State Government for its cooperation and support, as well as the visible infrastructural development recorded in the state.

He added 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.

In August last year, RMAFC announced that it has begun the review of the country’s revenue sharing formula to reflect current realities.

It noted that the current sharing formulary of 52.68 per cent for the federal government, 26.72 per cent for the states and 20.60 per cent for the local government councils was no longer tenable as states and local governments are assuming greater responsibilities.

The last time the country had a full review of the revenue sharing formula was in 1992, over 33 years ago  Subsequent attempts to review the formula have failed owing mainly to the lack of willingness of the sitting president each time to sign the proposal submitted by RMAFC.