Radda defends governors, says FG controls majority of Nigeria’s wealth

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has strongly pushed back against claims that state governors are chiefly responsible for Nigeria’s current economic challenges, arguing instead that the Federal Government controls the bulk of the nation’s financial resources.

Speaking during an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa, the Katsina State governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum said public anger over economic hardship is often directed at governors and local government authorities, even though revenue allocation heavily favours the centre.

Radda, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), explained that Nigeria’s revenue-sharing formula leaves subnational governments with limited funds to meet growing demands from citizens.

According to him, the Federal Government receives the largest portion of the Federation Account, while states and local governments share what remains.

“Whenever there is hardship, people blame governors and local governments. But when revenue is shared, 52 per cent goes to the Federal Government. It is the remaining 48 per cent that is shared among the 36 states and 774 local governments,” he said.

The governor noted that this structure often creates the false impression that state governors have access to vast resources, when in reality they are constrained by limited allocations and rising responsibilities.

He urged Nigerians to critically examine how the Federal Government has utilised its dominant share of national revenue over the years.

“For decades, the Federal Government has been receiving the larger share of federation revenue. So the question Nigerians should be asking is: where has the bulk of that money gone?” Radda stated.

His comments come amid heightened public scrutiny of state finances, particularly following reports of increased allocations to states after the removal of fuel subsidies.

Citizens across the country have been demanding greater transparency and accountability in the use of these funds.

On the issue of corruption, Governor Radda cautioned against broad generalisations that portray all political leaders as corrupt. He stressed that leadership should be judged on individual conduct and integrity, rather than sweeping assumptions.

READ ALSO: ADC has not picked any governorship candidate in Osun – Abdullahi

“Leadership is about individual integrity. It is wrong to generalise and label everyone the same way,” he said, adding that every public office holder would ultimately be held accountable for their personal actions.

The Katsina State governor also defended his administration’s continued investment in large-scale capital projects despite rising living costs.

He argued that such projects are essential for stimulating grassroots economic activity and providing livelihoods for ordinary citizens.

“When you execute capital projects, you create jobs and bring money down to the people. Labourers earn wages, food vendors make sales and suppliers benefit,” Radda explained.

According to him, the impact of these investments is already visible across local government areas in the state, where increased economic activity has followed the flow of funds into communities.

“If you go to the local governments today, you will see a lot of economic activity because funds have reached the communities,” he concluded.