Kebbi state Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has called on the Federal government to give more emphasis on revenue mobilization rather than sharing the monthly allocation.
The Governor stated this at a Workshop organized by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission in Birnin Kebbi.
Governor Atiku Bagudu said emphasis was placed on the monthly federation account allocation between the three tiers of government, while the money shared monthly was largely inadequate.
According to the Governor, there has been a serious resources deficit in the country and its taking a negative toll on all.
He suggested that, the states should have five percent more added to what they are getting now even if the revenue allocation formula would be reviewed.
Governor Bagudu noted that Kebbi State, with about five million people was getting between 67 billion to N70 billion naira annually.
He urged the Commission to put this issue on the front burner, to get more funds for national development.
The Federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Alhaji Rilwanu Hassan, said the workshop became necessary to enlighten all major stakeholders on the need to participate and make relevant contributions in the process of the allocation review.
Alhaji Rilwanu Hassan explained the review would enable Commission to come up with just, fair, equitable and acceptable revenue allocation formula for the country.
The Federal Commissioner said, 1999 Constitution as amended has empowered the Commission to regularly review the revenue allocation formula.
The Commissioner gave assurance that, the Commission would take serious consideration all views and recommendations that would emanate from the public hearing.
Reporting by Abdullahi Tukur; Edited Adeniyi Bakare