MFON Solomon Ukpabio
Department of Public Administration
Akwa Ibom State University
Obio AKpa Campus
E-mail: solomonukpabio@gmail.com
Enefiok Ibok
Department of Public Administration
Akwa Ibom State University
Sunday Effiong Ibanga
Department of Public Administration
Akwa Ibom State University
Obio AKpa Campus
E-mail: sunnibanga@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Federal, state, and local governments work together under fiscal federalism to improve
socioeconomic development, strengthen national unity, and maintain democratic governance.
The overarching goal is to reduce intergovernmental frictions and promote economic growth.
Regrettably, the distribution of income to different tiers of government has sparked disputes
and tensions, leading to a detrimental impact on the delivery of educational services,
infrastructure development, and healthcare services in Akwa Ibom State. Hence, the aim of
this study was to investigate the relationship between fiscal federalism and socioeconomic
progress in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This study utilised a combination of quantitative and
qualitative research methodologies. The analysis was based on the fiscal federalism idea
proposed by Musgrave. The data for this study were produced and examined using
descriptive statistics, specifically percentages and frequencies. The study findings indicate
that the implementation of fiscal federalism in Nigeria, specifically in terms of the sharing
formula, has had a detrimental effect on educational services, healthcare, and infrastructural
development in Akwa Ibom State. Hence, it is advisable, among other suggestions, that the
government promptly revise the allocation formula to promote the advancement of
infrastructure, education, and healthcare services in Akwa Ibom State.
Keywords: Fiscal federalism, socio-economic development, Akwa Ibom State.