By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has advocated for a comprehensive review of the nation’s revenue allocation formula.
This, according to him would reflect current realities while addressing what he described as ‘a long-standing injustice against the state.’
The governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, stated this when he received a delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC, at the Government House, Calabar, Friday.
He urged the Commission to ensure that its ongoing review exercise translates into a more equitable allocation framework for the state.
According to the governor, “the current allocation accruing to the state from the Federation Account is inadequate to meet growing developmental needs despite my administration’s commitment to governance and infrastructure development.”
He observed that the state remains among the lowest recipients of federal allocations in the country, a development that does not reflect present current realities.
Expressing optimism about the exercise, Otu said the Commission’s visit presents a unique opportunity to reposition Cross River within the national revenue-sharing structure, maintaining that, since the last major review of the allocation formula in 2012, significant demographic and economic changes have occurred, including population growth, an expanded workforce, increased infrastructural and social service demands.
He further argued that these realities coupled with the adverse impact of the loss of oil wells on the state’s revenue base, underscore the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the state’s allocation profile to better support its development aspirations which aligns with the People First’ mantra of his administration.
Earlier, leader of the RMAFC delegation and Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi, Mr. Nduka Awuregu, said the team was in Cross River as part of the Commission’s nationwide National Data Verification Exercise aimed at reviewing and updating data used for revenue allocation to states and local governments.
He explained that the exercise, which commenced in April, is being conducted across the six geopolitical zones in line with the Commission’s constitutional mandate to periodically review the revenue allocation formula and ensure it reflects current realities.
Awuregu commended the Cross River government for its cooperation and support throughout the exercise, noting that the team successfully visited schools, hospitals and other public facilities to verify existing data.
He particularly lauded the state’s progress in digitalization, the efficiency of its financial management team and its notable improvements in the education sector, describing the level of collaboration received from government officials as exemplary.
The RMAFC Commissioner expressed confidence that the verified data would receive thorough consideration by the Commission and would positively influence the state’s allocation profile where necessary.
He also lauded the prudent management of resources by the administration of Prince Bassey Otu, remarking that the team was impressed by the developmental strides recorded despite fiscal constraints.
