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Amaechi, Aliyu Seek Revenue Formula Review
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says an equitable, fair and just revenue sharing formula is germane to development in the country.
The governor made the assertion when some federal commissioners in the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission(RMAFC) led by Chief Nimi Dambo Kalabo paid him a courtesy visit yesterday in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Speaking through his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, the Rivers State governor stressed that, “ the issue of revenue mobilization and allocation is core to the heart of the workings of government,’’ pointing out that it was high time a new revenue formula was worked out in the country.
Amaechi insisted that the present revenue allocation sharing formula where the producer gets less than others was unfair and undemocratic, emphasizing that it was an anomaly for the Federal Government to pay less to those who generate more.
Besides, he called for an improved allocation to the local government councils, saying,” if you say the local government areas are development centres, then more funds should be apportioned to them’’, while calling for an equitable sharing principle.
He assured that his administration would continue to partner with the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in its sensitization drive on the new revenue formula for states of the federation.
Speaking earlier, the Federal Commissioner and the team leader, Chief Nimi Dambo-Kalabo, noted that the aim of the visit was to have an interactive session with the three arms of the government on the new revenue sharing formula with a view to ensuring that it is just and equitable, adding that “it would be in the interest of the state to bring in what should be done and not what the commission thinks it should be”.
He assured that when once the views of stakeholders were taken, a new and equitable revenue sharing would emerge, as he hinted of plans by the commission to conduct zonal workshops and fora across the country.
The federal commissioner commended the state government for the transformation and development of what he called the ‘’new garden city’’, further expressing appreciation for the hospitality they have received since their arrival.
Meanwhile, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has urged the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to reduce Federal Government’s share of federation account to 40 per cent.
Aliyu made the call in Minna yesterday when he received members of RMAFC who paid him a visit.
The governor said that under the current horizontal sharing formula, equality accounts for 40 per cent; population, 30 per cent; land mass 10 per cent; social factor, 10 per cent and revenue effort accounting for another 10 per cent.
He said under the proposed vertical sharing formula, 40 per cent of the fund should be shared based on equality of states; population, 30 per cent and land mass, another 30 per cent.
“Recent development in our national fiscal framework has introduced some factors into the dynamics of revenue sharing among the beneficiary levels of government in the country.
“These factors, unfortunately, are not so much in tandem with the desired revenue sharing objectives of the ideal federalism we are striving for’’, he said.
Aliyu said credible revenue sharing arrangement in a true federalism must be guided by the objectives of national integration, survival, justice, equity and efficient resource allocation.
The governor called for an interactive session with the government and federal law makers from the state to enable them to have first hand information on the proposed review.
This, he said, would put the state at a vantage position during debate.
He enjoined the media to educate Nigerians on why the proposed sharing formula should favour the states and local governments.
Aliyu said this is because they were closer to the people and for the much needed development at the grassroots.
Amb. Zubairu Dada who led the delegation, said they were in Minna to receive the input of the State Government and stakeholders on the proposed review of revenue allocation formula.
Dada, a Federal Commissioner with the RMAFC, said the visit would enable them to come up with acceptable formula that would guarantee a more peaceful and greater nation.
Our correspondent reports that based on the current vertical sharing formula, the federal government receives 52.68 per cent as against the states’ 26.72 percent from the federation account.
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi