News

RMAFC Chairman Advocates Domestic Revenue Mobilization as Catalyst for National Development

Published

2 years ago

November 23, 2024

Joe Ajayi

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. M.B. Shehu, OFR, has called for a robust approach to domestic revenue mobilisation to finance national development.

Dr. Shehu made the call while making his presentation at the just concluded 2024 edition of the National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED), with the theme, “Fostering Economic Growth in Challenging Times: Strategies for Policies and Partnership for Fiscal Sustainability and National Development” which took place in Bauchi. He emphasized the urgent need for diversifying Nigeria’s revenue base to ensure fiscal independence and economic resilience.

In a statement issued by the Head Information and Public Relations Units Maryam Umar Yusuf in Abuja noted that, Dr. Shehu noted that Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenue, coupled with global price volatility and rising debt burdens, has highlighted the need for sustainable alternatives. “Boosting domestic revenue provides a predictable foundation for national planning and reduces reliance on external borrowing,” he stated.

The Chairman identified taxation, non-tax revenues, state-owned enterprises, and the non-oil sector as pivotal sources of domestic revenue. He highlighted the significance of enhancing efficiency in tax administration and broadening the tax base by integrating the informal sector into the economy.Dr. Shehu further called for the development of solid minerals, agriculture, technology, and tourism. He pointed out the potentials of these untapped non oil sector to boost employment and attract foreign investments while also contributing significantly to the nation’s revenue.

In conclusion, Dr. Shehu recommended diversifying revenue sources, strengthening tax systems, and promoting transparency and accountability. He also stressed the need to invest in renewable energy, education, and infrastructure to foster long-term growth.
He said, “Domestic revenue mobilization is not just a financial necessity but a pathway to Nigeria’s economic self-reliance.””By prioritizing inclusive growth and strategic investments, Nigeria can build a sustainable and resilient economy capable of meeting the aspirations of its people.” He added.

The National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) is a financial body primarily overseen by the Federal Ministry of Finance, that serves as a platform for coordinating economic policies and strategies across all tiers of government (federal, state, and local) to drive national economic development. it is a forum where key stakeholders discuss and agree on crucial financial and economic issues affecting the country. The NACOFED Conference held annually is usually hosted by a State Government.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Lydia Jafiya, the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Shakirat Madein, Chairman Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr M.B Shehu OFR, Commissioners of Finance and Accountant Generals from the 36 States of the Federation including the FCT were among the stakeholders that attended this year’s conference.

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Politics

APC Alleges Atiku, ADC Plot to Undermine Kaduna Campaign Flag-Off

Published

6 hours ago

October 24, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of allegedly orchestrating a disinformation campaign to discredit the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, alleged that the former vice president and the ADC planned to circulate fake news, manipulated documents and doctored videos to undermine the campaign, President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other APC leaders.
Alake claimed that the alleged disinformation campaign involved the use of artificial intelligence, deepfake videos, counterfeit documents and social media platforms to manipulate public opinion.
According to him, the alleged plot had already begun with the circulation of a photograph showing a security vehicle on routine patrol near an APC campaign billboard in Kaduna metropolis.

He alleged that the image was misrepresented to suggest that security personnel had been deployed to protect APC billboards, adding that the narrative was subsequently published by a national newspaper and shared by Atiku on his official social media accounts.

The APC spokesperson further alleged that another document had been circulated online, purportedly showing a letter from Governor Uba Sani to the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, concerning an alleged release of ₦2.3 trillion by the Kaduna State Government to host the rally.

Describing the claim as baseless, Alake questioned the possibility of a state government spending such an amount on a political rally.

He noted that Kaduna State’s budgets for 2024, 2025 and 2026 stood at ₦458.271 billion, ₦790.439 billion and ₦985.9 billion, respectively.

According to him, the combined budgets for the three years amounted to less than ₦2.3 trillion, which he cited as evidence to challenge the claim circulating online.

Alake also alleged that the ADC and Atiku’s supporters were preparing to circulate old, manipulated and deepfake videos during the rally to create the impression of public resentment against the APC.

The council urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing it, warning against the spread of misleading content on social media and other platforms.It further accused Atiku and the ADC of resorting to what it described as desperate tactics to gain political advantage ahead of future electoral contests.

The allegations were contained in a statement signed by Alake on behalf of the APC Presidential Campaign Council on Saturday.Atiku Abubakar and the ADC’s response to the allegations was not included in the statement.

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