As Nigerians struggle with rising living costs, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda have urged citizens to hold state governors and local government chairmen accountable for the use of increased federal allocations.
Speaking separately at events in Abuja on Monday, both leaders emphasized that the recent surge in statutory revenue should translate into development, better living standards, and job creation at the grassroots.
At the launch of Vicious Red Circle, a book on human trafficking, Yilwatda noted that governors now receive up to four times their previous allocations. “Two years ago, monthly revenue sharing stood at about ₦400 billion. The last one was ₦2.2 trillion,” he said. “Governors can now do more for their people. Nigerians must demand people-oriented projects from them and local council leaders.”
Yilwatda added that despite criticism of government policies, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is steering the economy toward recovery.
Similarly, Akpabio, speaking at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) graduation ceremony, called on state assemblies to ensure governors use the increased funds for public good. He said the National Assembly’s legal and oversight efforts had boosted national revenue, resulting in higher allocations across all levels of government.
“We have no other country to call our own,” Akpabio said. “Our oversight has improved revenue inflows, and we expect state legislatures to ensure these funds translate into better livelihoods and job opportunities.”
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to budget reforms that promote fiscal discipline and accountability.
