Critical areas of the provisions of both the Constitution and Revenue Allocation Formula are no longer in tune with the current realities~Imo State Commissioner of Finance and Coordinating Economy Dr Mrs Doris Uzoka- Anite

*IMO STATE PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT*

        DR MRS DORIS IZOKA-ANITE

*Critical areas of the provisions of both the Constitution and Revenue Allocation Formula are no longer in tune with the current realities~Imo State Commissioner of Finance and Coordinating Economy Dr Mrs Doris Uzoka- Anite*

The Imo State Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy has stated that critical areas of the provisions of both the constitution and revenue allocation formula are no longer in tune with the current realities.

Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite informed members of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission that the current revenue formula is denying Imo and other Southeast States their statutory and special benefits/ privileges.

Dr. Anite was of the view that the just-concluded public hearing would help address some critical issues as highlighted by Governor Hope Uzodimma at the event.

The finance commissioner regretted that since 29 years ago the revenue allocation formula has remained stagnant in spite of the number of states changing from 30 in 1990 to 36 currently as well as changes arising from policy reforms such as privatization and funding of primary health care, water resources, power generation, inadequate / decaying infrastructures and road construction, heightened widespread internal security challenges etc.

According to her, all these changes are being actively managed and part funded by states. She added that the review will go a long way to address this critical issues as raised by the forum.

Dr Mrs Uzoka Anite urged the Federal Government to consider devolution of more powers to the states as well as local governments as their constitutional responsibilities such as crime fighting among others . She also recommended the upward review of the vertical revenue due to local government councils from 20.60% to 22% to enhance service delivery at the grassroots.

The Hounourable Commissioner for Finance requested for special funds to Imo and other Southeast States such as stabilization and ecological funds, and for a South East Development fund for civil war damages.

She explained that such funds demanded from the Federal Government are special funds set aside to cushion the effects of dwindling revenue and short-term macroeconomic stability occasioned by unforeseen circumstances that affect public finance.

According to her, such funds are for federal infrastructures done without compensation citing the Sam Mbakwe cargo airport built by Imo State Government from its lean resources and handed over to the Federal Government which collects revenue from the Airport to date. She also cited the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri built by the State Government before they were taken over by the Federal Government.


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