(DDM) – Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has urged Nigerians to stop placing sole responsibility for the country’s worsening economic hardship on state governors, stressing that the Federal Government controls over half of the nation’s federation revenue.
The governor made the clarification while addressing concerns over rising living costs and growing public criticism directed mainly at state governments.
Radda explained that revenue sharing under Nigeria’s federal structure gives the Federal Government approximately 52 per cent of monthly allocations.
He said states and local governments share the remaining percentage, which limits the capacity of governors to independently resolve nationwide economic challenges.
The governor noted that inflation, fuel price increases, and currency instability are largely driven by federal fiscal and monetary policies.
He argued that these policies directly affect food prices, transportation costs, and essential services across the country.
Radda said blaming governors alone ignores the realities of how resources are controlled and distributed in Nigeria.
He emphasized that most states depend almost entirely on monthly federal allocations to function.
According to him, when federal revenues shrink or policies trigger economic shocks, states feel the impact immediately.
The Katsina governor said state governments are often forced to make difficult adjustments to survive.
He explained that payment of salaries, pensions, and basic services consumes a large portion of state allocations.
Radda stated that governors have limited fiscal space to cushion citizens from national economic downturns.
He added that many states are already struggling with debt servicing obligations inherited from previous administrations.
The governor stressed that economic hardship is a collective governance challenge.
He said meaningful solutions require coordinated action between federal and state authorities.
Radda urged Nigerians to direct their frustrations through constructive civic engagement rather than selective blame.
He said public discourse should reflect how power and resources are actually structured in the federation.
The governor acknowledged that citizens are suffering under current economic conditions.
He said state governments are not indifferent to the pain experienced by residents.
Radda noted that Katsina State has introduced targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
He mentioned food distribution programmes and small-scale agricultural support as examples.
The governor said such measures are limited by funding constraints.
He reiterated that large-scale economic relief requires federal-level intervention.
Radda explained that policies on fuel subsidy removal, exchange rates, and import controls are decided at the centre.
He said these policies have far-reaching effects beyond the control of individual governors.
The Katsina governor called for patience as reforms unfold.
He argued that economic restructuring often causes temporary hardship before stabilisation.
Radda urged the Federal Government to increase collaboration with states.
He said states should be more involved in policy formulation that directly affects grassroots economies.
The governor also appealed for a review of the revenue allocation formula.
He said the current structure places excessive financial responsibility on the centre.
Radda argued that decentralising resources would empower states to respond more effectively to local needs.
He said stronger fiscal federalism would reduce pressure on the Federal Government.
Political analysts say Radda’s comments reflect growing concerns among governors nationwide.
They note that many state leaders feel unfairly targeted by public anger.
Observers say the hardship debate is reshaping political accountability narratives.
They add that citizens are increasingly demanding transparency at all levels of government.
Radda said accountability must be shared proportionately.
He insisted that governance failures should be assessed based on authority and control.
The governor concluded that Nigeria’s economic recovery depends on honest dialogue.
He said blaming one tier of government will not solve systemic problems.
As hardship persists, calls for collaborative governance are growing louder.
Radda’s remarks highlight the need for balanced public understanding of Nigeria’s fiscal structure.