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RMAFC, ALGON Deepen Collaboration to Advance Local Government Autonomy
Joel Ajayi
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to strengthen local government administration, advance fiscal autonomy and ensure that increased resources translate into tangible development at the grassroots.
The commitment was made when a delegation of RMAFC Federal Commissioners, led by Hon. Aliyu Abdulkadir, Federal Commissioner representing Nasarawa State and Chairman, State and Local Government Monitoring Committee, paid a courtesy visit to the National President of ALGON, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal, at the Association’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, PhD, Hon. Abdulkadir said the newly constituted Committee was established to deepen engagement with the third tier of government and explore practical measures to strengthen local governments.
He stressed that, as a constitutional body, RMAFC is empowered to monitor accruals and disbursements into and from the Federation Account, to which local governments are constitutionally entitled.
Hon. Abdulkadir gave the assurance that the Commission is ready to ensure that the autonomy of local government, as recently pronounced by the Supreme Court, is given effect to.
He also urged local governments to strengthen their internally generated revenue and reduce overdependence on allocations from the centre.
Also speaking, Sen. Marafa Bashir Abba, Federal Commissioner representing Taraba State and Vice Chairman of the State and Local Government Monitoring Committee, said the engagement would generate ideas capable of improving the Committee’s work and strengthening collaboration with ALGON, particularly in addressing challenges confronting local governments, including issues surrounding local government elections.
Responding, Hon. Bello Lawal welcomed the initiative, describing RMAFC’s engagement as timely and critical to the future of grassroots governance. He said, “When you empower local government, you empower the whole country because local government is where people actually live.”
He further said, “A strengthened local governments constitute the bedrock and foundation for the development of our country.” Hon. Bello called for greater participation of local governments in revenue-allocation processes and assured the Commission of ALGON’s readiness to collaborate on capacity building, fiscal discipline and improved utilisation of public resources.
Other members of the delegation from RMAFC included Hon. Kabeer Muhammed Usman, Federal Commissioner, Gombe State; Hon. Madu Ali Juluri, Federal Commissioner, Yobe State; Hon. Rabiu Garba, Federal Commissioner, Zamfara State; and Hon. (Amb.) Jacob Ayuba Mbako, Federal Commissioner representing the FCT.
The engagement reinforces RMAFC’s commitment to strategic partnerships that promote fiscal accountability, effective revenue management, local government autonomy and inclusive development at the grassroots.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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