Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Radda has urged Nigerians to reassess their view of the country’s economic hardship, stressing that state governors should not bear sole responsibility. In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa, he noted that the federal government receives more than half of the nation’s monthly federation revenue, leaving sub‑national governments with limited resources to meet growing demands. Under the current revenue‑sharing formula, 52 % of the federation revenue goes to the federal government, while the remaining 48 % is divided among the 36 states and 774 local governments.
Governor Radda said this disparity is often overlooked, with public anger over rising hardship frequently directed at governors and local government chairmen. He argued that Nigerians should instead question how the federal government manages the bulk of the funds, which it has been receiving for decades. Addressing corruption allegations, he cautioned against sweeping statements that label all elected officials as corrupt, emphasizing that leadership must be judged individually and each office holder held accountable for his or her actions.
Radda defended his administration’s continued investment in capital projects despite the prevailing economic difficulties, asserting that infrastructure development drives economic growth and job creation. By executing such projects, his government injects money into the grassroots economy, creating jobs and stimulating activity in local communities. He cited visible impacts in Katsina State, where funds have reached communities and boosted economic activity.
The governor’s comments come amid mounting pressure on state governments to account for increased allocations following the removal of the fuel subsidy, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s economic challenges and the distinct roles of different levels of government in addressing them.
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