Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council has proposed fifty percent federally collected revenue to States, twenty-five percent to Local Governments, twenty percent to Federal Government and five percent to Town Governments in the ongoing review of revenue sharing formula.

 

The traditional rulers made the proposal at the grand finale of the interactive section organized by Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, in collaboration with Anambra State Government for a comprehensive review of the current revenue sharing formula.

Correspondent, Emmanuel Chigbata, reports that the event was held at the  Government House in Awka.

In a paper presentation, the Vice Chairman of the State traditional ruler’s council, Igwe Sunday Okafor, explained the position as a collective opinion of Anambra traditional rulers after due considerations, and for purpose of achieving the all-important sustainable, inclusive growth and development.

 

He stated that their belief in the fourth tier of government, the Town Governments, stems from strong conviction that for Nigeria to attain needed accelerated growth and development, it must be micro managed in the manner of Federal, State, Local and Town Governments.

 

Also, in his proposal, the General Manager of Society for Equity Justice and Peace, Dr. Emma Ezenwaji, who spoke on behalf of Civil Societies, proposed twenty five percent to Federal Government, thirty five percent to States and forty percent to Local Governments.

 

Dr. Ezenwaji said the rationale is to strengthen communities, traditional institutions and Local Governments to ensure sustainable development at the grassroot.

 

On his part, a representative of Institute of Chartered Accountants, Mr. Francis Ezenwa, proposed thirty percent to Federal, forty percent to States and thirty percent to Local Governments to ensure development at States and the grassroot.

 

Reacting, the Federal Commissioner of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Barrister Chima Okafor, assured that the Commission will put into consideration views of relevant stakeholders in the interest of justice and equity.

 

Recall that under the current revenue sharing formula, the Federal Government takes fifty-two-point sixty eight percent, States, twenty-six-point seventy two percent, and Local Governments, twenty-point -sixty percent, with thirteen percent derivation revenue going to oil producing States.