Nigerian states not richer despite increased allocations, author argues

Many Nigerians are being misled by the Federal Government regarding the monthly allocations to states, according to Dele Sobowale in Vanguard. While states are indeed receiving a greater share of federal revenue, this increase does not translate to greater wealth due to rampant inflation, which drives up the cost of goods and services for everyone, including state governments.

Sobowale points out that while President Tinubu's reforms are expected to yield positive long-term results, the immediate benefits are not apparent. He singles out Lagos State as a notable exception, suggesting that most other states are struggling financially despite the increased allocations. The author criticizes state governors for their perceived inaction and inability to defend themselves against accusations of poor performance, suggesting they are "gutless" in the face of public criticism, often fueled by the Federal Government's narrative.

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It aren’t the things you don’t know that cause the problem; it’s things you think you know that aren’t so.

The article further contends that the Federal Government is exploiting public ignorance, with "mischief makers" promoting misinformation. As an example, Sobowale debunks the idea that Nigeria is progressing simply because it has paid off its IMF loans. He argues that this was achieved by borrowing more at higher interest rates, increasing the nation's overall debt burden to N160 trillion. This, he asserts, is a financial blunder, not progress, and highlights the government's tendency to manipulate facts for propaganda purposes.

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Today, Nigeria’s debt burden is N160tn; more than when IMF was paid off. That is not progress. That is financial blunder. But purveyors of falsehood never allow facts to stand in their way.