The governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Radda, urged Nigerians to stop blaming state governors for the country’s worsening economic difficulties, emphasizing that the federal government controls the majority of Nigeria’s federal revenue.
Radda, who leads one of the country’s 36 state governments, made these remarks during an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) in Hausa, amid public frustration over the rising cost of living and increased allowances following the elimination of fuel subsidies.
Explaining Nigeria’s revenue-sharing formula, the governor stated that the federal government receives 52% of the funds from the Federation Account, while the remaining 48% is divided among the 36 states and 774 local government areas.
“Whenever hardship increases, people blame the governors and local governments,” Radda declared. “But when revenue is distributed, the federal government takes the lion’s share.”
He pointed out that this distribution structure has been in place for decades and urged Nigerians to ask themselves how the majority of national revenue has been used over time.
“For many years, the Federal Government has received more than half of the revenue. Nigerians should start asking themselves how that money has been spent,” Radda added.
The governor also rejected the sweeping accusations of corruption often leveled against state governors, stating that such claims are unfair. He asserted that leadership performance should be judged on an individual basis, not through generalizations.
“Leadership is personal,” Radda stated. “It is a mistake to label everyone the same way. Every leader will be held accountable for their actions.”
Regarding his administration’s spending priorities, Radda defended continued investment in capital projects despite economic pressures. He asserted that infrastructure development remains one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic activity at the local level.
He explained that capital projects generate employment and allocate funds directly to local communities, benefiting workers, merchants, food vendors, and suppliers.
“When the projects are implemented, the money reaches the grassroots,” Radda stated. “Workers earn wages, food vendors sell more, and suppliers benefit.”
Radda added that the impact of this spending is already visible in Katsina State, with increased economic activity in several local government areas.
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