Former Presidential Candidate Challenges President Tinubu Over FAAC Disbursement Amid Worsening Poverty
Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, a former presidential candidate, has issued a direct challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to personally oversee the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursement process to ensure more effective use and equitable distribution of national resources. Her statement comes amid growing concern over the deepening poverty crisis in Nigeria, despite record government revenue allocations.
In a public statement released on Thursday and signed by Nuhu Agum, her Senior Special Assistant, Adesanya-Davies described Nigeria’s current economic situation as “The Paradox of Poverty Amidst Plenty.” She highlighted the disconnection between record-breaking government disbursements and the harsh living conditions experienced by most Nigerians.
“Nigerians are disturbingly very hungry,” she stated. “Despite FAAC’s historic disbursement of N2.225 trillion in August 2025, the majority of citizens are still battling abject poverty.”
Record-Breaking Allocation, Little Impact on Poverty
According to official data, the August 2025 FAAC disbursement included:
Statutory Revenue: N1.478 trillion
VAT: N672.903 billion
Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL): N32.338 billion
Exchange Difference: N41.284 billion
From this pool, the Federal Government received over N809 billion across revenue sources, while states and local governments collectively received more than N1.2 trillion. Despite this substantial inflow, infrastructure remains inadequate, and access to essential services such as electricity, clean water, and healthcare remains elusive for millions.
Key Issues Raised
Prof. Adesanya-Davies identified several factors contributing to Nigeria’s economic paradox:
Inefficient Utilization: Poor management of allocated funds undermines developmental impact.
Corruption: Endemic misappropriation of public resources continues to hinder poverty alleviation efforts.
Overdependence on Oil: The volatile nature of oil revenues has made economic planning precarious, with statutory revenue declining due to a drop in petroleum profit tax and other levies.
Infrastructure Deficit: Despite high allocations, basic infrastructure is still lacking in many communities.
Call for Action
Adesanya-Davies called on the Tinubu administration to urgently:
Diversify the Economy by investing in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
Improve Infrastructure to stimulate growth and improve living standards.
Ensure Transparency and Accountability in public spending to curb corruption.
“It’s not enough to allocate funds. The focus must be on how those funds are used. Without accountability and transparency, disbursements become meaningless figures on paper,” she said.
Conclusion
Prof. Adesanya-Davies’ critique underscores a growing national frustration with economic management under the current administration. As poverty deepens despite increasing national revenue, her call for presidential oversight and systemic reform resonates with millions who feel left behind.
The former presidential candidate urged the government to “prioritize the welfare of Nigerians” and turn disbursements into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
