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FG Takes 50.65%, Retains 13% Derivation In New Revenue Sharing Formula
The Federal Government has proposed an adjustment to the nation’s revenue sharing formula, allocating 23.73 percent to local governments as against the previous 20:60 percent.
Other adjustments include Federal Government, 50.65 percent as against 52.68 percent; state governments 25.62 percent as against 26.72 percent; while it retained 13 per cent derivative for the oil-producing states.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who made the Federal Government’s position known to Nigerians during a public hearing in Abuja, said that the government considered a number of things before arriving at its conclusion.
According to Mustapha, the Federal Government considered its increasing visibility in sub-national responsibilities due to weaknesses at the level, citing primary health care, basic primary education, increasing level of insecurity and increased remittances to state and local governments through Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula, where the Federal Government has only 15 percent and the states and local governments share 50 percent and 35 percent, respectively.
Mustapha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Mr. Andrew Adejoh, said that the current administration would implement whatever formula was passed by the National Assembly.
He said, “On behalf of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, I wish to re-assure all Nigerians that the Federal Government will implement the final outcome of the conclusion of this exercise as soon as the National Assembly enacts the relevant legislation to complete the process.”
The SGF said, however, that the responsibilities shouldered by each tier of government should guide the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in the new formula.
Mustapha said that a lot of the resources allocated to the Federal Government were spent on providing services that were the responsibilities of state governments.
According to him, “We are all agreed, as Nigerians, that the present Revenue Allocation formula, both vertical and horizontal, is long over-due for a review not only because the last one was done in 1992 but most importantly, contemporary issues since then, such as heightened insecurity, decaying infrastructure, need for appropriately matching statutory functions and tax powers, need to be taken into consideration.
“The Federal Government has keenly followed all the geo-political consultative process and it is important that we remind ourselves that review of revenue cannot and should not be an emotional or sentimental discussion and it cannot be done arbitrarily.
“All over the world, revenue and resource allocation has always being a function of the level of responsibilities attached to the different components or tiers of government. It is therefore important that this current exercise rests squarely on the 1999 Constitution (as Amended).
“The Second Schedule of the Nigerian constitution contains 68 Items on the Exclusive Legislative List, and these are areas in which the Federal Government is supposed to use resources accruing to the federation to provide services and related development needs. On the other hand, the 30 items on the Concurrent requires both the Federal and State Government to address.
“It is, thus, very clear that for us to have an endearing vertical review of the present revenue allocation formula, we must first agree on the responsibilities to be carried out by all the tiers of Government.
“In order to appreciate the position of the Federal Government, it is also necessary I share with us the vertical disbursement of the Federal Government’s share of 52.68%, which is as follows: Disbursement of the FGN Share of 52.68%; Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF)48.50%; Federal Capital Territory (like a state)1.00%; Natural Resources Development Fund (states are the beneficiaries)1.68%; Ecological Funds 1.00% (45% to NEMA, NEDC, NALDA and NAGGW, 55% addressing ecological challenges at Sun-National levels); Stabilisation Account 0.50% (25 % – 0.125 to NSIA and 75% 0.375 managed by OAGF and mostly utilized for emergency requests by states).
“Similarly, within the Consolidated Revenue Fund, disbursements are made for Debt Servicing, Statutory Transfers, Salaries, Pension and Gratuities, capital supplementation amongst others.
“It is, therefore, clear from the above that the Federal Government spends most of its resources on and for the state and local government levels. When you juxtapose this with the equally greater number or responsibilities on the Exclusive Legislative List, you would even want to make a case for greater allocation to the Federal Government.
“However, the Federal Government has taken cognizance of the growing clamour for a review of the present vertical revenue allocation formula, President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to ensuring resources for development get to the poorest of the poor in our rural communities, imperative to incorporate local communities in our security architecture as well enhancing equitable and inclusive national development.
“Alongside the above, other considerations that informed the Federation Government’s position on the review of the present vertical revenue allocation formula included Federal Government’s increasing visibility in Sub-national level responsibilities due to weaknesses at that level e.g Primary health care, basic primary education; Increasing level of insecurity and increased remittances to State and Local Governments through the Value Added Tax sharing formula, where the Federal Government has only 15 % and the States and Local Government share 50% and 35% respectively.
“As an interim and immediate measure, the Federal Government, is therefore, proposing the following: Federal Government 50.65%; State Government 25.62 %; Local Government 23.73% and Derivation Allocation 13 %.
“It is important to restate that revenue allocation should be done constructively in the face of a dwindling national revenue base and the imperative for states to generate their IGR. Equally important is the fact that this review should culminate in improved national development.”
In his remarks, the Minister of the federal Capital Territory, Mr. Bello Mohammed, asked for more funding of the Federal Capital Territory, in view of its massive developmental needs.
He said, “Because of the massive expansion, for us to be able to develop the city to match the population expansion, we need to have a special funding status and that is our appeal to the commission and I am sure by the grace of God they will work towards it.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Engr. Elias Mbam, had said that the review of the revenue allocation formula became necessary because the last review was in 1992.
He added that there have been obvious changes in the nation’s socio-cultural, political and economic environments since that time.
“As you are aware, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) empowers the commission to periodically review the revenue sharing formula and principles in operation to reflect changing realities,” he said.
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.