Business
RMAFC Begins Nationwide Data Verification to Strengthen Revenue Allocation Framework
Joe Ajayi
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a nationwide data verification exercise aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework and ensuring fairness in the distribution of national resources.
The exercise is designed to review the factors and proxies used in sharing revenue among states and local governments, with a focus on aligning allocations with current socio-economic realities across the federation.
Speaking during a media interview, the Chairman of the Commission, Mohammed Bello Shehu, described the initiative as a landmark effort to reinforce fiscal federalism and improve national development planning.He emphasized that credible and verified data is essential to building a fair and sustainable revenue allocation system.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework reflects the realities on the ground. Accurate data is the backbone of fairness, equity, and national cohesion. This nationwide exercise represents our determination to build a more transparent and responsive revenue distribution system that serves the interests of all Nigerians,” he stated.
Dr. Shehu called on state governments, local authorities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders to fully cooperate with verification teams, noting that the outcome of the exercise will significantly impact fiscal management and balanced regional development.
He further explained that the exercise goes beyond statutory responsibility, describing it as a strategic national initiative aimed at strengthening institutional credibility and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
As part of its rollout plan, the Commission has scheduled region-by-region verification across all states and the Federal Capital Territory. The process will involve systematic data collection, validation, and reconciliation of key socio-economic and infrastructural indicators used in determining revenue allocation indices for horizontal revenue sharing.
According to the Commission, the exercise will focus on critical sectors such as education and healthcare provision, internally generated revenue capacity, and infrastructure development at both state and local government levels.
Stakeholder engagement sessions are also expected to be held in each state to promote transparency, build trust, and encourage collaboration among government agencies and local communities.
Dr. Shehu noted that Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework is based on indices such as population, landmass, infrastructure, and broader socio-economic indicators, all of which require periodic review to remain relevant.
“Over time, Nigeria has witnessed significant socio-economic changes, including population growth, infrastructure expansion, urbanisation, and widening development gaps. These realities make it necessary to validate existing datasets to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in revenue sharing,” he added.
He disclosed that the ongoing review of the national revenue allocation formula is already at an advanced stage, making the data verification exercise a crucial step in ensuring the credibility and reliability of the indices that will guide future allocations.
The Commission assured that its teams will work closely with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), local governments, and community stakeholders nationwide to ensure that all data accurately reflects present-day conditions.
Agriculture
PULA, Leadway Assurance Disburse ₦396 Million to Climate-Affected Farmers, Strengthen Food Security Efforts
In a major intervention to shield smallholder farmers from climate shocks, agri-insurtech firm PULA has spearheaded the disbursement of ₦396,697,672 in insurance claims to over 40,000 farmers impacted during the 2025 wet season.
The payout, executed in partnership with Leadway Assurance and supported by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), covered farmers across Taraba, Borno, Kaduna, and Plateau States who suffered climate-related losses.
The initiative was made possible in part by Bayer Foundation, whose $450,000 premium subsidy support in 2025 wet season helped lower the cost of insurance for thousands of vulnerable smallholders in 8 states, with 4 states receiving payouts. The Foundation is set to scale up its contribution to match the growing aspirations of state governments.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony in Abuja during the 2025 Wet Season Insurance Claims Payout under the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM), PULA’s Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Michael Enahoro, said the initiative goes beyond compensation, insisting that it’s about securing Nigeria’s food systems.
“Our focus is not just on payouts but on increasing food production. We must continue to support farmers who work tirelessly under harsh conditions to feed the nation,” Dr. Enahoro said. He called for stronger policies that directly impact farmers and reaffirmed PULA’s commitment to expanding agricultural insurance as a tool for resilience.
PULA’s data-driven approach to climate risk was key to identifying affected farmers and triggering payments. The company worked with Leadway Assurance to underwrite the risk, while PFSCU aligned the program with the national food security agenda. State governments also supported grassroots enrollment.
Gboyega Lesi, MD/CEO of Leadway Assurance, described the payout as “a reinforcement of a safety net that protects the hard work of thousands of farmers,” adding that “through climate insurance, we ensure that a bad season does not translate into total loss of livelihood.” He commended PULA’s technology and field structure for making rapid, transparent payouts possible.
Ayoola Fatona, Global Head of Agric Solutions at Leadway Assurance, noted that the 2025 wet season brought significant climate variability and yield fluctuations. “The true value of insurance lies in claims payment, especially in challenging periods. Our data-driven partnership with PULA helped mitigate losses,” he said.
Looking ahead, PULA and Leadway Assurance plan to scale coverage to 73,000 farmers in the 2026 farming season, deepening penetration of climate insurance across Nigeria’s food-producing belts.
Commissioners from the beneficiary states commended PULA and Leadway Assurance for de-risking agriculture, restoring farmers’ confidence, and building a more resilient agricultural sector
State-by-state breakdown of claims facilitated by PULA:
- Taraba State: ₦154,308,035
- Borno State: ₦127,192,472
- Kaduna State: ₦69,726,150
- Plateau State: ₦45,471,015
Total: ₦396.7 million.
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