By Anayo Akwitti
The Senate has begun the process of amending provisions of the 1999 Constitution to increase the federal government’s share of the national revenue allocation.
Although the federal government currently receives 52.68% of the revenue pool—compared to 26.72% for the 36 states and 20.60% for the 774 local government councils—the Senate, through a bill sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), is seeking a further upward review.
Speaking to journalists after plenary, Senator Karimi said the bill, which has passed first reading, aims to address what he described as the federal government’s “grossly inadequate revenue” despite its mounting responsibilities.
He explained that the current revenue sharing formula is “outdated and unsustainable,” noting that it places excessive financial pressure on the federal government amid worsening infrastructure conditions and rising insecurity across the country.
According to him, “The proposed alteration seeks to increase federal government revenue allocation to address mounting financial obligations and national responsibilities across Nigeria.”
Karimi added that deteriorating federal roads nationwide, along with the substantial resources required to combat banditry, terrorism, and other security threats, make a review of the allocation formula necessary.
He stressed that the federal government’s growing responsibilities particularly in road construction, maintenance, and internal security have become overwhelming under the existing arrangement.
He further noted that inadequate funding has also hampered the military’s fight against terrorism, a challenge he believes can be addressed by increasing the federal government’s revenue share.
