Ortom advocates upward review of Federal allocation to States, LGs

Benue State governor, Dr Samuel Ortom has advocated for upward review of Federal Statutory allocation to States and Local Governments across the country.

He said the exigencies of the time demands that the allocation to States should be increased from the present 26.7 percent to 42 percent.

Ortom stated this on Tuesday in Makurdi when he received in audience the Federal Commissioner representing the state at Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Mr. Adaa Maagbe during a sensitization tour of the State.

According to him, 23 percent of the allocation should go to local government areas from the present 20.6 percent while the Federal government should go home with 35 percent as against the present 52.68 percent.

Ortom insisted that State governments have more responsibilities than the Federal Government, hence, there was need for a quick review for them to have the lion share.

The governor strongly opined that security challenges has necessitated the creation of State Police, stressing that more funds should be allocated so that States could take care of the Police.

He said: “the federal government has clearly demonstrated that it is overwhelmed by the security challenges and so it should push the responsibilities to States and back it up with more resources. The federal government can only monitor what happens in the states after releasing such funds to them.”

Earlier, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Commissioner, Mr. Maagbe disclosed that the visit was part of the nationwide tour to sensitise Nigerians and receive inputs on appropriate revenue sharing formula for the country.

He explained that the law provided for a review of the formula and principles in operation to ensure conformity with changing realities through an Act of the National Assembly after a period of five years.