Katsina State Governor Umar Dikko Radda has called on Nigerians to stop solely blaming state governments for the country’s growing economic challenges. He emphasized that the Federal Government receives more than half of the nation’s monthly federation revenue, leaving states and local governments with less than half to manage.

Governor Radda made the remarks in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa, pointing out that public frustration over economic hardship is often directed at governors and local government chairmen, despite their smaller share of national funds.

“Whenever there is hardship, people blame governors and local governments,” Radda said. “But when revenue is shared, 52 percent goes to the Federal Government. Only the remaining 48 percent is distributed among the 36 states and 774 local governments.”

He explained that this distribution leaves subnational governments struggling to meet growing demands, contrary to the widespread perception that governors control the majority of national resources.

Questioning Federal Spending

Highlighting decades of federal control over national revenue, Governor Radda urged Nigerians to consider how these centrally retained funds have been used.

“For decades, the Federal Government has received the larger share of federation revenue. Nigerians should ask: where has the bulk of that money gone?”

His comments come as state governments face increasing pressure to account for rising allocations, especially following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

On Corruption Allegations

Governor Radda also addressed recurring corruption accusations against state leaders, cautioning against blanket assumptions. He stressed that leadership should be evaluated individually.

“Leadership is about personal integrity. It is wrong to generalize and label everyone the same way,” he said, adding that public officials will ultimately be held accountable for their actions.

Investing in Capital Projects and Job Creation

Despite economic hardships, the governor defended his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, arguing that capital projects stimulate local economies and create jobs.

“Executing capital projects injects money into grassroots economies. Laborers earn wages, food vendors sell goods, and suppliers benefit,” Radda said.

He added that the effects of such spending are visible across local government areas in Katsina State.

“Visit the local governments today, and you will see significant economic activity because funds have reached the communities,” he noted.