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Wike Seeks Upward Review Of Revenue Allocation To States
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to reduce revenue accruable to the Federal Government from the federation account to 40percent, and increase those of states and local government councils to 40 and 20per cent, respectively.
The governor said the current revenue sharing formula that allows the Federal Government to take 52.68percent, and the states and local government councils to take 26.72percent and 20.60percent, respectively was unacceptable.
Wike made the assertion when members of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) led by its Chairman, Chief Elisa Mbam paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
The governor observed that despite the changes that the country had been through in the past 29 years, it was regrettable that it has continued to use the 1992 revenue formula prescribed by the military.
Wike faulted the use of 1992 population figure, public school enrolment and public hospital bed spaces, land mass as formula for allocation of revenue.
He argued that a more equitable formula should also take into cognisance current population figure as well enrolment in private schools and number of bed spaces in private hospitals.
“Using the same formular of 1992 as a basis for revenue allocation in this country is so unfortunate. And to worsen the situation under a democratic dispensation, since 1999 till now, our country has not reviewed the revenue allocation formula.”
Wike urged the commission to reduce the revenue accruable to the Federal Government to 40percent because it has abdicated its responsibility of providing security and basic infrastructure to the federating states.
“You people should reduce the percentage of the Federal Government. Give them 40percent. Give the states 40percent, give local government 20percent. In that way, most of the responsibilities that belong to the Federal Government will now be taken away and given to the states.”
He noted that the current centralised federal system in operation in Nigeria has made it impossible for most states to look inwards and harness their potentials.
According to him, the country’s vast resources, will continue to amount to nothing if the states are not allowed to use their resources to drive and determine their development.
“We cannot talk about operating a federal system without having a fiscal federalism. It is practically impossible. Let’s cancel that word federalism, we are operating a unitary system. But you cannot be saying we are operating a federal system, at the same time operating a centralised system.”
The governor expressed reservation about the willingness of the present Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the revenue mobilisation and fiscal commission, which is currently holding public hearing on new revenue sharing formula across the six geopolitical zones.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Chairman, Chief Elisa Mbam, explained that one of the major mandate of the commission is to review from time to time the revenue allocation formula to conform with changing realities.
Mbam explained that it has become necessary to review the current formula because the last review was done in 1992.
He observed that there has been a lot of changes in the political and socio-economic situation of the country.
According to him, the data that will be collated from the states will help the commission to arrive at a fair revenue formula.
“We believe that what we will get from states will help us to come up with a revenue formula that will be fair, just and equitable.”
He commended Wike for his developmental stride, and urged other states to emulate Rivers State.
Later during the South-South Zonal Public Hearing, the State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike, restated that the present revenue allocation formula cannot meet the present realities of our dear nation and the socio-economic development of all levels of Government.
Wike made this assertion during the South–South Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the Current Revenue Allocation Formula at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Wike said “it is very clear to anyone who cares to know that the Federal Government is overburdened and overloaded and cannot efficiently deliver a federal system as we envisage it in our Federation”.
According to the governor, the states needs to be encouraged to be able to build up their own potentials, adding that It was all part of encouraging inclusiveness and encouraging a sense of belonging.
The governor further said “in Rivers State, we are building 10 overhead bridges because we envisage the future, it is futuristic, we have a city with so much traffic and these 10 overhead bridges are a must, apart from the infrastructure that is going on in all our communities and 23 local government areas.”
Wike, who noted that bridges, jetties and educational Institutions all fall under the laps of the states, called for the reduction of the allocation of the Federal Government and an increase of the allocation to the states and local governments, stressing that this is what equity is all about.
Wike, who expressed delight that the commission had gone round and done sensitization, collected various data and indices, expressed the hope that all these would not be thrown away at the end of the day, and prayed that the feelings and aspirations of the Nigerians of today would garner their efforts and bring it to fruition.
In his address, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Engr. Elias Mbam, disclosed that the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) by virtue of Paragraph 32(b) Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) is empowered “to review from time to time the Revenue Allocation Formula and Principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities, provided that any Revenue Formula which had been accepted by an Act of the National Assembly shall remain in force for a period of not less than five years from the date of commencement of the Act”.
According to him, the commission has embarked on the process of reviewing the existing Vertical Revenue Allocation Formula, adding that the review became necessary because a lot of socio- economic and political changes have taken place since the last review in 1992.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.
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