The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong , has called on the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission to recommend the increase of revenue allocated to States and Local Government Areas from the Federation Account.

He said the review of the vertical revenue allocation formula to the three tiers of government has become necessary, considering the changing socio-economic and political dynamics of the nation.
Mr. Archibong, made the appeal on Tuesday, 31st August, 2021, during an interactive session he facilitated between Members of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the 31 Local Government Council Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State.

The Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs boss, commended the Commission for living up to its constitutional mandate of engaging representatives of various Stakeholders and the general public in the process of reviewing the vertical revenue allocation formula for the Country. This, according to him, will not only give the citizenry a sense of belonging, but will ensure conformity with the changing realities.

Earlier on, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Linus Nkan, while setting the tone for the session, expressed optimism that the visit will afford the Commission the opportunity of getting first hand information from the Local Government Chairmen, who are the closest to the grass roots. He encouraged the Council Chairmen to feel free to air their minds, even as they propose a revenue sharing formula which conforms with present day realities.

The Commission's Team Lead, that is, the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Commission, Engr. Elias Mbam, explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to sensitize the good people of Akwa Ibom State on the need to present a well-articulated position on how revenue should be shared between the Federal, State and Local Governments.

Engr. Mbam, reiterated that the Commission is greatly desirous of providing within the shortest possible time, a generally acceptable new vertical sharing formula that will meet the yearnings and expectations of the three tiers of Government for the benefit of the citizenry.

The ALGON Chairman, Mr. Iniobong Robson , who summarized the opinions of the Council Chairmen, described the current vertical revenue sharing formula as "unacceptable and antithetical to the growth and development of the nation". He wondered why the Federal Government with less governmental and developmental responsibilities should be taking the chunk of the allocation.

Mr. Robson, who is the Executive Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, concluded by recommending a devolution of some of the powers and responsibilities of the Federal Government to the State and Local Governments. According to him, the Federal Government should limit itself to policy formulation and regulation in areas like Agriculture, Internal Security, Health etc.

He promised to make the position of ALGON, Akwa Ibom State ready and submitted to the Commission before the 20th September deadline.

The visit was attended by Chairmen of Council, led by the ALGON Chairman, Mr. Iniobong Robson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Elder Ini Ikie and the Chief of Staff to the Commissioner, Mr. Tommy Enodien .

© Press Unit, Office of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

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