A survey conducted by the NOI Polls has revealed a very close margin between Nigerians that feel that the federal government should be allocated higher revenue and those that feel the states should get higher.

Specifically, the poll showed that while 34 per cent were in support of higher revenue allocation to the federal government, 33 per cent of the respondents preferred higher allocation to the states.

Also, the result showed that 28 per cent of Nigerians wanted higher revenue allocated to the local governments.

Nigeria's revenue formula determines how funds earned by the country are shared among the federal, state and local governments. Currently, the federal government receives 52.68 per cent, states receive 26.72 per cent and local government areas get 20.6 per cent.

The finding also showed that majority (61 per cent) of Nigerians (33 per cent + 28 per cent) are in favour of the decentralisation of revenue allocation to the lower tiers of government.

"Further findings of the poll indicate that a higher percentage of Nigerians (61 per cent) are of the opinion that the federal government should be responsible for roads while 43 per cent, 53 per cent and 39 per cent of Nigerians (forming the majority) are of the opinion that the state governments should be responsible for primary education, water/sanitation and primary health care respectively," it added.

The poll which differentiated the responses according to gender, geopolitical zones collectively agreed that most responsibilities such as roads, water education being handled by the federal government should be delegated the lower tier of government.