Makinde – FG didn’t give states N30bn each

Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, has strongly disagreed with a statement made by Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, about states receiving an additional N30 billion each to combat food insecurity. Makinde clarified on Thursday that his state has not received such funds from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or the federal government. He emphasized, “my government has been and will always be open and transparent to the people.”

Speaking in Iseyin at the inauguration of the renovated Iseyin Central Mosque, Makinde underscored his commitment to easing the economic strain on the citizens. He argued that leaders should “instil confidence and hope in the citizenry in this trying time rather than playing the blame game.”

Makinde criticized Akpabio for his reliance on unverified reports, explaining that “states couldn’t get funds from the FIRS, since all revenues go into the federation account and belong to the Federal Government, states, and local governments.” He revealed that the only additional funding Oyo State received was N2 billion from the N5 billion promised post-fuel subsidy removal, which the federal government is now seeking to be refunded.

To mitigate hardship, Makinde’s administration has implemented the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER). He stated, This is a very difficult period in our nation’s history because all of us are aware of what we are going through economically. But for us as an administration, I can say we are the first in Nigeria to announce and implement measures on the 9th of June 2023, to cushion the effect of this policy through SAfER.

Highlighting the benefits under SAfER, Makinde noted, “For the workers, we have been paying a wage award; N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners, and we have paid for close to six months. Only last week, I announced an extension for another six months.”

Addressing the misinformation, Makinde urged for focus on real issues, saying, “This is not the time to play politics, as we have real issues that deserve real solutions.” He firmly stated, “FIRS cannot give money to any state. It is not possible. All revenues accruing to the country go into the federation account and it is distributed to all tiers of government. The federal government does not give states money. The money in the federation belongs to all of us; it does not only belong to the federal government.”

Related: State Governors receive N30bn each to reduce hardships – Akpabio