According to state minister, the national government should ensure other non-oil-producing states are allocated their percentage share

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in Western Equatoria State, John Ada Wilson has called for equitable sharing of the revenue generated from the oil sales.

According to state minister, the national government should ensure other non-oil-producing states are allocated their percentage share.

Speaking during a public forum on resource management in Yambio, Ada emphasized the need for fairness in oil revenue distribution, highlighting provisions in South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution of 2011.

“The Transitional Constitution provides for the equitable sharing of resources between all levels of government. However, the current model, which allocates around 3% of oil revenue to producing states like Unity and Upper Nile, while laudable, needs enhancement to ensure fairness for all states,” Ada said.

Mr. Ada proposed that all ten states and three administrative areas should be entitled to an equal share of 1% of the oil revenue, amounting to 13% collectively. He argued that this approach would recognize the contributions of every region in South Sudan’s liberation struggle.

“All the people from our states and administrative areas contributed to the liberation struggle, enabling us to gain independence and manage our affairs. It is only just that they receive a share of the oil revenue,” Ada explained.

According to his proposal, oil-producing states should be added a 1% share on top of their existing allocation, while the national government retains the remaining 72%.

Ada highlighted that this model could drive development and empower local governments.

“This fair revenue allocation can empower state and local governments to establish institutions and provide essential services such as education, healthcare, road networks, and electricity. It will also create employment opportunities and bring governance closer to the people,” he added.

Despite its potential, oil revenue allocation has been fraught with challenges.

Critics have argued that oil revenues, which form the backbone of South Sudan’s economy, have not translated into improving the living standards of the citizens.

The Minister urged the stakeholders to incorporate the proposal into the permanent constitution being drafted under the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU).

“The issue of resource sharing is one of the key matters to be addressed in South Sudan’s permanent constitution. I appeal to the national government to advocate for this policy to be enacted into law, ensuring resources are shared equitably across the country,” Ada stated.

“This fair revenue allocation can empower state and local governments to establish institutions and provide essential services such as education, healthcare, road networks, and electricity. It will also create employment opportunities and bring governance closer to the people,” John Ada Wilson, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in Western Equatoria State.