Stop Blaming Governors for Hardship, FG Takes Lion’s Share of Revenue — Radda Tells Nigerians
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has urged Nigerians to stop holding state governors solely responsible for the country’s economic hardship, stressing that the Federal Government controls the largest portion of revenue from the Federation Account.
The governor made this known during an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa, where he explained that the existing revenue-sharing formula allocates 52 per cent of federation revenue to the Federal Government, while the remaining 48 per cent is shared among the 36 states and 774 local government councils.
According to Radda, this distribution places immense pressure on states and local governments, which are expected to meet growing public demands despite operating with limited financial resources.
He noted that contrary to popular belief that governors control vast national resources, subnational governments struggle financially, even with the slight increase in allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy. He added that public frustration over economic hardship is often wrongly directed at governors and local government chairmen.
Radda also dismissed sweeping allegations of corruption against state governors, describing such claims as unfair generalisations. He stressed that leadership and integrity should be judged on an individual basis, noting that accountability is personal and not all public office holders are corrupt.
Defending his administration’s emphasis on capital projects despite prevailing economic challenges, the governor said infrastructure development remains one of the fastest ways to stimulate economic activities at the grassroots. He explained that such projects create employment opportunities and support local businesses, adding that visible economic activities are already taking place across various local government areas in Katsina State.