Revenue Allocation Review Proposed Amid Electoral Law Stalemate
By MELVIN KOFFA
Electoral Law Reform Deadlock
THE impasse over Nigeria’s electoral law reform deepened on Tuesday as the Senate emerged from a five-hour closed-door session without issuing a statement or addressing the media. The meeting, which followed a similar session last week, was expected to pave the way for resolving differences over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) bill.
Last week’s session led to the formation of a special ad-hoc committee tasked with reviewing concerns raised by senators. Members were encouraged to present their issues directly to the committee. However, hopes of an amicable resolution were dashed as senators exited the chamber, declining to engage journalists waiting outside.
Observers say the continued secrecy surrounding the reform process underscores the complexities involved in restructuring electoral laws, which remain a politically sensitive issue with implications for party dynamics, election administration, and national governance.
Revenue Allocation Review on the Horizon
While the electoral reform stalemate continues, the Senate is considering a separate but equally significant proposal: revising Nigeria’s revenue sharing formula among the three tiers of government.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), seeks to increase the statutory allocation of the Federal Government, arguing that the current formula is insufficient to meet rising national responsibilities. Presently, the federal share stands at 52.68%, while states receive 26.72% and local government councils take 20.6%. The bill proposes adjusting these percentages to provide additional resources to the federal government.
Senator Karimi explained that the adjustment is necessary to address mounting financial obligations, including the maintenance of federal roads and the fight against insecurity nationwide. “The current revenue-sharing formula is outdated and unsustainable because it places excessive financial pressure on the Federal Government amid rising infrastructure decay and security challenges,” he said.
The senator emphasized that inadequate funding has strained federal capacity, particularly in combating terrorism and banditry. An increase in the federal allocation, he argued, would ensure that the government can meet national responsibilities effectively and sustain essential services.
Balancing National Duties and Fiscal Pressures
The proposal comes amid growing debates about fiscal federalism and resource management in Nigeria. Analysts say revising the revenue allocation could ease pressures on the federal government but may face resistance from states and local councils, who might view any increase for the center as a reduction of their own shares.
As the Senate navigates both the electoral law reform and the proposed revenue adjustment, Nigeria’s political landscape faces critical questions: How can governance be strengthened while ensuring fair representation and fiscal balance? And how will lawmakers reconcile competing interests without compromising national stability?
With legislative sessions ongoing, both issues — electoral law reform and revenue reallocation — are likely to dominate discussions in the coming months, highlighting the interconnected nature of political reforms and fiscal policy in Nigeria.
