Nigerians may see better public services and more development at the state level if governments reduce their reliance on federal allocations and strengthen their internally generated revenue, Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele has said.
Oyedele made the call in Owerri, Imo State, during the 2026 National Council on Finance and Economic Development Retreat, where he urged states to focus more on production, investment and job creation.
The minister noted that federal allocations to the three tiers of government have increased significantly, with N2.8tn shared in June 2026. However, he stressed that increased allocations alone would not guarantee better living conditions for citizens.
For residents, the real impact of increased government revenue is expected to be seen in areas such as functional roads, quality healthcare, better schools, reliable infrastructure and more employment opportunities.
Oyedele therefore urged state governments to improve their Internally Generated Revenue, attract investments and create jobs rather than depend heavily on money from the Federation Account.
The call also comes as states face growing demands from citizens for improved infrastructure and public services amid rising economic pressures.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by his deputy, Chinyere Ekomaru, said the state had taken steps to increase its IGR by digitising revenue collection and blocking leakages.
He also highlighted investments in agriculture, tourism, education, the digital economy, power and small businesses as part of efforts to create jobs and expand opportunities for young people.
The broader message from the retreat is that states are being encouraged to become more financially independent, while citizens will increasingly look to their governments to turn available resources into tangible improvements in their everyday lives.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
