Fiscal Stability – A Need for States to Look Inward

The existing revenue-sharing structure of the government stifles innovation and prevents the state from looking inward to improve revenue since the Federal Allocation remains intact. The major source of revenue for most States is the funding from FAAC, with many contributing little to the pool. Oil revenues which make up more than 42% of government income are generated from activities in oil-producing states, mainly in the South-South region, a fraction of the nation.

Analysis of the Debt Profile of Nigerian States

Analysis into the domestic debt profile of the 36 states and FCT shows that Lagos state with total debt of N444.23 billion has the highest domestic debt stock outstanding among the states and this represents 10.82% of the total domestic debt stock. Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt in combined have total debt worth 19.92% of the total domestic debt stock of the 36 states and the FCT. Of the top 10 states based on debt, only Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Delta states are among the top 10 states based on 2019 Internally IGR.

2019 States IGR Report: States are not Taxing the Informal Sector Enough

65% of the total revenue of the 36 states and the FCT in 2019 came from FAAC while the remaining 35% came from IGR of the states. From the IGR, over 60% came from the formal sector (PAYE) while 20% came from the informal sector (Other Taxes and Direct Assessment).

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