Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has called for a reevaluation of how the nation’s revenue is shared, suggesting that states should receive a larger portion compared to the federal government. In his view, revising the distribution formula for federal allocations would align with the democratic aspirations of the people.

During an interview in Abuja on Friday, Governor Idris emphasized the need to carefully review the current revenue-sharing formula, particularly regarding the administration of the police force under state governments nationwide. He expressed concern that the existing formula heavily favored the federal government at the expense of the states.

The governor highlighted the importance of addressing this imbalance, stating, “A situation where the federal government takes 55% of the total share of the revenue was, to say the least, unfair. We must look at the formula in order to meet our campaign promises to our citizens.”

Governor Idris stressed that states and local governments are closest to the people and directly handle many of the challenges faced by citizens. He argued that the responsibility of making life meaningful and improving the lives of farmers, artisans, and the impoverished primarily falls on governors and local government chairmen.

He further elaborated, “Our revenues should be shared in such a way that state and local governments, which often have direct interactions with the Nigerian people, should receive a higher percentage to meet their yearnings and aspirations.”

Governor Idris believes that the federal government has fewer direct responsibilities in terms of interacting with Nigerians, as governors and local government chairmen are the ones who directly engage with the people. Therefore, he asserts that a fairer distribution of revenues would enable state and local governments to better address the needs and aspirations of their constituents.