How Nigeria Shares Its Cake: A Story About Revenue
Imagine you and your friends bake a very big cake. Everyone helped in different ways—one friend mixed the flour, another fetched water, and someone else fanned the fire. Now the big question is: How do we share the cake so everyone feels excited and satisfied?
That’s exactly what Nigeria is doing with its money. The money Nigeria makes from oil, taxes, and other resources is like that big cake. The job of sharing it belongs to a special team called the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
Recently, the Federal Government (the “parents of the house,” you could say) encouraged RMAFC to:
👉 Make sure the cake is shared in a way that brings joy, fairness, and growth to all—Federal, States, and Local Governments.
---
Why is this Important?
When the sharing is fair, every part of Nigeria gets stronger. That means:
More schools for learning.
More hospitals for healing.
Better roads and services for communities.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, reminded RMAFC that:
They are capable of doing excellent work.
Defence and security (like “big brothers” protecting the house) should always be well supported, because peace helps everyone enjoy the cake fully.
---
How Has Nigeria Shared Before?
This “cake-sharing” idea has a long history. Some important “recipe guides” include:
1. The Phillipson Commission (1946) – helped shape early sharing plans.
2. The Raisman Commission (1958) – encouraged regions to receive funds for progress.
3. The 1999 Constitution (Section 32) – gave RMAFC the noble responsibility to keep reviewing and updating the sharing formula.
4. Past Reviews by RMAFC – offered valuable lessons that continue to inspire new approaches.
Today’s review builds on these earlier works, creating an even better system for the present.
---
What Happens Next?
Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, Chairman of RMAFC, said they are preparing a new sharing plan. Steps include:
Sharing it first with the SGF for wise input.
Then presenting it to the National Assembly so it can be officially agreed upon and celebrated.
---
Why Should You Care?
Because when the cake is shared wisely and joyfully:
States can create better schools and hospitals.
Local Governments can provide water, markets, and community services.
The Federal Government can ensure peace, unity, and protection for all.
Everyone wins when the cake is shared with love and fairness.
---
Final Thought
Nigeria’s story of revenue allocation is really a story of teamwork and family sharing.
What do you think?
Comments
Post a Comment