Across Nigeria, a familiar frustration echoes in homes, markets, and public spaces: the hardship is real, yet the response often feels distant. While many citizens channel their concerns toward the federal government, a critical piece of the governance puzzle is being overlooked—the state and local governments that receive billions of naira every month from the Federation Account.
It is time to redirect attention, ask tougher questions at the state level, and demand visible results where they matter most: in our communities.
The Missing Link in Accountability
Every month, revenue from oil, taxes, and other sources is pooled and shared through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). This allocation is not symbolic—it is substantial. States receive hundreds of billions of naira collectively, meant to fund:
- Healthcare systems
- Education services
- Infrastructure development
- Social welfare programs
Yet, despite these inflows, many citizens continue to face:
- Poor road networks
- Underfunded schools
- Weak healthcare systems
- Rising poverty levels
This disconnect raises an important question:
Where is the money going?
Following the Money: October–December 2025
Total FAAC Allocations to States
| Month | Total Shared to 36 States |
| October 2025 | ₦335.152 billion |
| November 2025 | ₦601.731 billion |
| December 2025 | ~₦600–700 billion (estimated) |
In just three months, over ₦1.5 trillion was shared among states.
November 2025: State-by-State Snapshot
Below is a breakdown illustrating how funds were distributed across the 36 states (rounded estimates based on FAAC formula and trends):
| State | Allocation (₦ Billion) |
| Abia | 15.8 |
| Adamawa | 17.5 |
| Akwa Ibom | 34.2 |
| Anambra | 16.9 |
| Bauchi | 19.8 |
| Bayelsa | 32.5 |
| Benue | 18.6 |
| Borno | 20.3 |
| Cross River | 17.4 |
| Delta | 45.0 |
| Ebonyi | 16.2 |
| Edo | 17.1 |
| Ekiti | 15.3 |
| Enugu | 16.5 |
| Gombe | 16.8 |
| Imo | 17.0 |
| Jigawa | 20.1 |
| Kaduna | 22.5 |
| Kano | 24.0 |
| Katsina | 21.8 |
| Kebbi | 18.2 |
| Kogi | 17.6 |
| Kwara | 16.4 |
| Lagos | 40.5 |
| Nasarawa | 16.1 |
| Niger | 19.5 |
| Ogun | 17.8 |
| Ondo | 18.0 |
| Osun | 16.7 |
| Oyo | 20.2 |
| Plateau | 17.9 |
| Rivers | 42.8 |
| Sokoto | 19.3 |
| Taraba | 17.2 |
| Yobe | 18.7 |
| Zamfara | 18.9 |
These are not small sums. Many states receive ₦15–₦45 billion monthly, enough to significantly impact lives if properly managed.
Why the Focus Must Shift to States
1. States Control Key Services
Basic services—schools, primary healthcare, rural roads—are largely under state and local governments. When these fail, the impact is immediate.
2. Proximity to the People
State governments are closer to citizens. This makes them more accessible and easier to hold accountable.
3. Significant Financial Autonomy
With FAAC allocations, internally generated revenue, and federal interventions, states have substantial financial capacity.
The Cost of Silence
When citizens do not ask questions:
- Budgets go unscrutinized
- Projects are abandoned
- Funds are mismanaged
- Corruption thrives
But when citizens engage:
- Transparency increases
- Service delivery improves
- Leaders become more responsive
A Call to Action: What Citizens Should Do
- Track FAAC Allocations
Know how much your state receives monthly. - Demand Budget Transparency
Ask: How is this money being allocated? - Engage Local Representatives
Town halls, community forums, and civil society platforms matter. - Use Media and Advocacy
Social media, radio, and community groups can amplify accountability.
Accountability Begins at Home
It is not enough to demand change at the federal level while ignoring what happens within our states. True transformation begins when citizens hold every layer of government accountable.
If each state receives billions monthly, then:
- Schools should function
- Hospitals should deliver care
- Roads should be usable
- Communities should feel the impact
Final Thought
The conversation must change.
Before looking outward, citizens must first look inward—toward their states and local governments. Accountability is not selective. When we demand transparency at all levels, we create a system where public funds truly serve public good.