Senate President Akpabio Praises Tinubu as Governors Receive Fourfold Increase in Federal AllocationsSenate President Godswill Akpabio has openly expressed admiration for the sharp rise in federal allocations to states under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, revealing that today’s governors now receive nearly four times the funds available during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio made the remarks on Thursday while addressing lawmakers during plenary at the Nigerian Senate, where he reflected on the dramatic improvement in state revenues following recent fiscal and economic reforms by the Tinubu administration.According to the former governor, the surge in federal allocations has significantly strengthened the financial capacity of state governments, enabling them to undertake larger development projects, improve infrastructure, and deliver tangible benefits to communities at the grassroots level.Speaking candidly, Akpabio admitted that he wished he had governed under the current administration, given the scale of resources now flowing to the states.
“I wish I was a governor under you. Most of them are saying they collect four times what we used to collect. So I can’t go back, I can’t do a change in the constitution. Because they have far more money to develop their states and to touch the grassroots for you than we had. And I pray that God will give them the enablement and the wisdom to also do what they are doing at the same time.”He emphasized that the increased allocations place a greater responsibility on governors to translate higher revenues into meaningful development outcomes, particularly in underserved and rural communities that have long lacked basic infrastructure and social services.
Akpabio further noted that the current fiscal environment offers state governments a rare opportunity to deepen development, accelerate economic growth, and strengthen public confidence through visible projects and improved service delivery.His comments come amid nationwide discussions on Nigeria’s fiscal federalism, revenue-sharing framework, and the consequences of recent economic reforms, including subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, which have led to higher inflows to states from the Federation Account.
The Senate President’s remarks have since generated widespread reactions online, with Nigerians sharply divided. While some applaud the improved revenue profile of states, others argue that increased funding must be matched with stronger transparency, accountability, and measurable results at the sub-national level.As allocations rise, public scrutiny is also growing louder — with citizens asking whether governors are doing enough to justify the historic inflow of funds.What do you think?Should state governors be delivering more visible development with the increased allocations? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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