Anambra State Requests ₦70 Billion from Nigeria’s Fund

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has looked into Anambra State’s request for ₦70 billion from the stabilisation fund. This money is needed to tackle security, erosion, and infrastructure issues in the state.

Olusegun Wright, who chairs the Indices and Disbursement Committee, shared this information in a statement released by Maryam Yusuf. She is the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit at the commission. The statement came out on Wednesday in Abuja.

Wright, who also represents Lagos State on the commission, recognized the state government's presentation about its financial problems. He said the stabilisation fund offers financial help in deserving cases, but this depends on certain rules, available money, and proper approval steps.

He explained that states making requests must formally submit their proposals. After that, the commission will assess the projects on-site. Wright noted that the committee would check financial records, project feasibility, estimated costs, implementation needs, and expected benefits before making any recommendations.

He emphasized that just because a project is reviewed technically does not mean it is automatically approved. The request will need more checks and verification.

Why Anambra Needs the Funds

While presenting Anambra’s case, Chiamaka Nnake, the Secretary to the State Government, pointed out that the state has 21 local government areas, 179 communities, and an estimated population of 8.9 million.

Nnake stated that the state’s gross domestic product is about $12.7 billion. She also mentioned that Anambra’s projected budget for 2026 is ₦766 billion. She noted that the state has raised its internally generated revenue from about ₦2.2 billion to ₦7.2 billion. This growth is due to commercial hubs, industries, and areas that produce petroleum.

However, she highlighted insecurity, erosion, flooding, inflation, and rising costs in public services as major financial problems. She added that sit-at-home orders have hurt businesses and lowered investor confidence, putting more strain on the state’s economy.

On security, Nnake mentioned that the government has passed a Homeland Security Law, set up a security outfit, and improved collaboration with a joint task force. She said the money requested would help with operational vehicles, surveillance and communication gadgets, training for personnel, and better coordination to keep people safe and boost economic activities.

Nnake explained that Anambra has over 1,000 erosion sites affecting 146 communities. Fixing these issues would need around ₦170 billion. Ongoing efforts include controlling erosion, managing floods, rehabilitating roads, reclaiming land, clearing waterways, and planting trees. The state has also stopped sand mining near sensitive areas to prevent environmental harm.

Regarding healthcare, Nnake said the state’s free antenatal care and delivery program has assisted over 206,000 deliveries, including 642 caesarean sections. She mentioned that the government has hired 8,415 teachers and started free education from nursery to senior secondary school. This has increased the demand for staff, facilities, and learning materials.

Nnake pointed out that agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism are investment areas needing more funding and supporting infrastructure. The state has distributed over 2.3 million coconut and oil-palm seedlings but needs better processing, storage, and market access.

She also mentioned mineral deposits, opportunities related to petroleum, and tourist sites like Agulu Lake. She called for geological surveys, better access roads, and improved facilities for visitors.

Nnake stressed that the ₦70 billion request would help with security, environmental management, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism. She believes this funding would protect livelihoods, tackle important development issues, and diversify the state’s economy.

Enefe Ekene, the Commissioner from Anambra on the RMAFC, thanked the committee leaders and members for their feedback. Ekene said the response would help improve the state’s presentation before the planned assessment visit. He recognized that any recommendations would depend on verified financial records, project feasibility, estimated costs, implementation needs, and expected benefits, following the set procedures.