A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ita Enang, has called for an upward review of the revenue allocation to the federal government to enhance national security and other critical responsibilities.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Friday, Mr Enang said the current revenue-sharing formula among federal, state, and local governments no longer reflects the present realities and burdens on the federal government.

“We are calling for an amendment of the revenue-sharing formula,” said Mr Enang. “More funds should be allocated to the federal government because of its growing responsibilities, especially in the area of security.”

Mr Enang, a former presidential aide, noted that many federal ministries and agencies were unable to implement budgeted projects due to limited funds, even as the government continues to grapple with security challenges nationwide.

“I reviewed the Federal Tenders Journal, and hardly any major federal projects are being advertised. Most ministries and universities have projects in the budget but lack funds to execute them, and many cannot even advertise tenders,” he said.

Mr Enang also highlighted the imbalance in borrowing, arguing that while state governments boast of financial independence, the federal government is often criticised for taking loans to finance national priorities.

“Governors often claim they are not borrowing, yet the federal government is forced to borrow to fund national projects like Tucano jets, drones, and other security infrastructure that benefit all states,” he said.

He argued that when the current revenue-sharing formula was adopted, Nigeria did not face the volume of security threats or have as many federal institutions as it does today.

“In the last 26 years, look at how many universities, teaching hospitals, and polytechnics have been established, all funded by the federal government. Yet, staff of these institutions pay taxes to the states where they are located,” Mr Enang added.

He urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to reassess the distribution formula, taking into account the current scale of federal responsibilities.

“If the commission critically examines today’s realities, the growth of federal institutions, rising security demands, and fiscal strain, it would be clear that the federal government needs a larger share of national revenue,” he said.

Mr Enang stressed that without adequate funding, the federal government will continue to struggle with critical national functions, especially security in troubled states such as Benue, Taraba, and Zamfara.

(NAN)