Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for a fairer and data-driven revenue allocation formula that reflects the true economic potential of states, declaring that accurate documentation of Kogi’s vast natural and economic assets is critical to unlocking sustainable development.
Governor Ododo made the call while receiving a delegation of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission at the Government House in Lokoja.
Th visit came ahead of the Commission’s nationwide data verification exercise aimed at reviewing the indices for the horizontal revenue allocation formula for the 36 states and 774 local government areas.
Governor Ododo said his administration remains committed to improving the living standards of Kogi people through evidence-based planning, insisting that governance must be anchored on accurate data rather than assumptions.
“The verification of public primary and secondary schools, healthcare facilities and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) data is therefore a significant national exercise. It is not merely about statistics; it is about ensuring fairness, equity and justice in the distribution of national resources. Reliable data remains the foundation for evidence-based planning, equitable allocation of resources and sustainable development,” the Governor said.
The Governor commended the Commission for undertaking the nationwide verification exercise, expressing confidence that its outcome would strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal federalism, promote equity among the federating units and enhance public confidence in the nation’s revenue allocation system.
He lamented that although Kogi is richly endowed with over 32 solid minerals in commercial quantities, alongside oil and gas deposits, much of the state’s resource wealth has not been adequately captured in national records.
The Governor cited the state’s economic assets of more than 32 mineral deposits including Dekina’s dominance in Nigeria’s cashew production, coal deposits across nine local government areas, fisheries in Bassa, and abundant limestone, gold and iron ore deposits in Ijumu, Lokoja, Okene, Kabba-Bunu and Yagba West.
Governor Ododo added that ongoing strategic projects, including the Zariagi International Airport, the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone and the new international market, are laying the foundation for accelerated industrialisation and investment.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting initiatives that will reposition Kogi as a major economic destination and strengthen the state’s contribution to national growth.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris, said the commission has been working with the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service and other relevant agencies to verify data on healthcare, education, and internally generated revenue.
He credited Governor Ododo’s reforms for improving revenue generation and expanding critical infrastructure, adding that Kogi’s strategic location as the only state bordering ten others should be recognised as an important consideration in national development and revenue allocation.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu, the Commissioner representing Ogun State, Hon. Akeem Amosu, noted that the exercise derives its constitutional backing from Paragraph 32(b) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which empowers the Commission to review the revenue allocation formula to reflect changing national realities.
He noted that the last nationwide verification was conducted a decade ago and said the Commission is committed to ensuring that current demographic, infrastructural and socio-economic realities are accurately reflected in the new formula.
Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner representing Kogi State at the commission , Abdulazeez Idris King, praised the Ododo administration for its strides in security, grassroots infrastructure, human capital development and women empowerment.
He assured the Governor that the Commission would conduct the verification exercise with fairness, objectivity and professionalism while commending the Kogi State Government for its unwavering support for the commission.
