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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 Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo