DIALECTICS OF FISCAL FEDERALISM AND CRISES  OF COMMON RESOURCES IN NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS IN SOCIAL JUSTICE AND CONTRADICTIONS

Makodi BIEREENU-NNABUGWU; Jaja C NWANEGBO; Nobert C ABAH; Vin AGHARA; Vincent O EMESIBE; Chidozie OBIORAH; Samuel NWAGBO; Ndidi EDWARDS

Authors

Makodi BIEREENU-NNABUGWU Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, NIGERIA
Jaja C NWANEGBO Federal University, Wukari, NIGERIA
Nobert C ABAH Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, NIGERIA
Vin AGHARA Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, NIGERIA
Vincent O EMESIBE Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, NIGERIA
Chidozie OBIORAH Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, NIGERIA
Samuel NWAGBO Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, NIGERIA
Ndidi EDWARDS Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, NIGERIA

Keywords:

Allocation formula, common resource, inequality, revenue generation, revenue sharing, social justice

Abstract

This study focuses on social justice as a guide to the formulation of a fair and equitable revenue allocation formula. The paper explores the specificities of the Nigerian revenue allocation formula and challenges of social justice vis-à-vis the quest for equity in the formulation of revenue allocation formula. For the generation and analysis of data the paper relies substantially on documentary and descriptive methods, as we’ll as the theory of justice as fairness and distributive justice serves as the theoretical compass for the paper. While positing that the existing revenue distribution formula sacrifices equity and justice in the alter of convenient equality, and upholds inequality at the peril of social order; the paper recommends that in the principles of typical federalism, resource control would have to be encouraged to gradually solve the problem of injustice associated with existing revenue distribution formula. (word count: 141).