The Government of Niger State has dragged the Federal Government to the Supreme Court to challenge its omission as a beneficiary of the 13 per cent derivation.

In the originating summons filed through its team of lawyers led by Mr. Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, Niger State listed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as the sole defendant in the case.

Among other reliefs sought, the plaintiff urged the apex court to determine whether Niger State does not qualify to be classified among the states that produce natural resources and therefore is entitled to 13 percent derivation within the meaning of 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

It also prayed the court to interpret and apply section 232 (1) & (2) of the Constitution to compel its inclusion by the Federal Government, in line with the Enactment of Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 2004.

The state alleged a failure to include remittances from proceeds of fiscal revenue generated and accrued through hydroelectric power dams within its territory, which it argued formed part of resources it contributes to the overall electricity generation to the national grid since 1968.

According to the plaintiff, it hosts four major hydroelectricity dams – Kainji Dam, Jebba Dam, Shiroro Dam and Zungeru Dam – which serve as sources of electricity supply to various states in the country.

It argued that through these power stations, the Federal Government electricity supply to the Republics of Benin, Togo and Niger.