Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar dismissed the Federal Account Allocation Committee’s expanded disbursements to states, arguing that increased allocations have failed to lower living costs or curb inflation for everyday citizens. Atiku’s comments come amid claims by the government that increased revenue disbursements are improving governance.
Atiku argued that despite the higher allocations, Nigerians are still struggling with rising prices and economic hardship. He called on the government to address the structural issues driving inflation rather than celebrating revenue figures. The government has maintained that its reforms are yielding results and that the funds are being used to support development.
The winners: Atiku, who has positioned himself as a voice of accountability; and the Nigerian public, who are demanding results. The losers: the government, which faces criticism over its economic management; and the Nigerian economy, which continues to struggle with inflation.
Bottom Line: Atiku says higher allocations are not helping Nigerians. The government says the reforms are working. The question is who is right and whether the public will feel the benefits.