Akwa Ibom demands increased Fed Govt allocation

Akwa Ibom State Government has demanded increase in federal allocation to state and local governments.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Mr. Frank Archibong said a review of the vertical revenue allocation formula to the three tiers of government had become necessary, considering the changing socio-economic and political dynamics of the nation.

He spoke on Wednesday during an interactive session he facilitated between members of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the 31 local government chairmen.

‘’I praise the commission for living up to its constitutional mandate of engaging representatives of stakeholders and the public in the process of reviewing the vertical revenue allocation formula for the country.

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‘’This has not only given the citizenry a sense of belonging, but will also ensure conformity with the changing realities,’’ Archibong said.

Finance Commissioner Mr. Linus Nkan, setting the tone for the session, hoped that the visit would afford the commission the opportunity of getting first-hand information from the council chairmen, who were the closest to the grassroots.

The commission’s Team Lead and representative of Akwa Ibom State at the commission, Elias Mbam, said the visit was to sensitise the citizens on the need to present a well-articulated position on how revenue should be shared between the federal, state and local governments.

He said the commission is desirous of providing within the shortest possible time, a generally acceptable vertical sharing formula that will meet the yearnings and expectations of the three tiers of government for the benefit of the citizenry.