Revenue sharing formula: Kano demands one per cent allocation, increase for states, councils

Kano State Government has made case for a one per cent special status allocation from the Federal Revenue Allocation Formula.

The state government made the submission at the North West Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the current vertical revenue allocation formula organised by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in Kaduna.

Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, who made the demand in a memorandum presented on behalf of the state, said the request is pertinent and justifiable considering the peculiar nature of Kano in the country.

Alh. Usman explained that Kano is confronted with enormous responsibilities due to high influx of people displaced or affected by insecurity in neighbouring states such as Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto.

He also highlighted the status of the state as the most populous in the country, cosmopolitan and heterogeneous nature as “mini Nigeria”, as well as being the commercial hub for the north that attracts and accommodates people from all parts of the country.

In a statement issued by Inuwa Idris Yakasai, Director Information in the state ministry of Information, the Secretary to the State Government urged the Federal Government to consider the special status demand so as to support the development of Kano, particularly in the areas of agriculture, trade and commerce and manufacturing.

The SSG further noted that the current revenue sharing formula is skewed largely in favour of the Federal Government to the detriment of states and local governments as the federating units, which he described as uneven, unfair and unjust.

While calling for the intervention of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review the current revenue sharing formula, in line with its statutory constitutional responsibilities, the SSG said it become pertinent and long overdue in view of the changing political, economic, social and ecological realities in the country.

Alhaji Usman Alhaji consequently declared that despite taking the lion’s share, the Federal Government could not effectively and adequately discharge most of its responsibilities in states, like ensuring security and provision of healthcare services which, he said, were left for the states to take care of.

“The insecurity and violence in the North can be link to the uneven distribution of the national wealth. Some have too little while others have too much to spend. As federating units, no one should be left in dare need,” he added.

While noting that states spend more than the Federal Government on healthcare and other services in addition to huge expenditure for the police and DSS, he suggested that states should have larger share in the revenue allocation formula.

The SSG therefore, on behalf of Kano State Government, proposed a new sharing formula of 41 percent for Federal Government, 34 percent for states and 24 percent for local governments while the 13 percent derivation should be maintained.

The Kano State delegation to the North West Zonal public hearing comprise commissioners, special advisers, top civil servants, traditional leaders, representatives of CSOs, NGOs and students organisations.

Other states that presented memoranda at the occasion include Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.