Kano demands 1% special status in federal revenue allocation formula

Kano state has demanded for a one per cent special status in the federal revenue allocation formula.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Head of Kano State delegation, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, Wazirin Gaya, made the demand in a memorandum they presented during the North West Zonal public hearing on the review of the current vertical revenue allocation formula organised by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in Kaduna on Monday October 25.

Alhaji stated that the demand is genuine and justifiable, considering the enormous responsibilities the state is currently shouldering due to high influx of people displaced by insecurity in neighboring states, including Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and others.

The SSG also averred that the state’s status of being the most populous, cosmopolitan and heterogeneous Nigerian state, has attracted people from all parts of the country and beyond being the commercial hub of the North.

Alhaji added that if the state is granted the demand, it will help the North-West state in the areas of agriculture, trade, commerce and manufacturing, and “will translate into rapid development for the country generally”.

He described the current revenue sharing formula as “uneven, unfair and unjust” and favours the federal government to the detriment of states and local governments.

Alhaji went on to propose a new sharing formula of 41 per cent for federal government, 34 per cent for states and 24 percent for local governments. He stated that the 13 per cent derivation should be maintained.