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RMAFC Chairman, Reaffirms Shehu Commitment To Local Government Autonomy
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reiterated the Commission’s unwavering support for financial autonomy of Local Governments in Nigeria, stressing that grassroots governance is key to national development.
Dr. Shehu made this declaration while receiving the Director General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Barr. Evan Enekwe, who led a delegation on a visit to the Chairman at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja today Wednesday, the 16th of April 2025.
“We have always been on record as a Commission that strongly advocates for Local Government financial autonomy,” Dr. Shehu said. “The recent Supreme Court judgment affirming this autonomy is a victory not just for ALGON but for the nation. Development truly begins at the grassroots, and without empowered local governments, our national aspirations will continue to lag.” He added.
Dr. M. B. Shehu emphasized that the Commission was re-establishing a committee of Commissioners from each state to actively engage with stakeholders and ensure smooth implementation of the new legal framework. “We will continue to advocate and talk to stakeholders to see this through,” he stated.
The Chairman further assured ALGON of the Commissio’s readiness to support its developmental agenda and grassroots-focused programmes. “The Commission will support your conference and broader objectives. We are on the side of constitutionalism, equity, and grassroots development.” He said.
In her remarks, the DG ALGON, Barr. Evan Enekwe appreciated the warm reception accorded yo them and commended the Commission’s stance on local government empowerment. She appealed for continued partnership and support for ALGON’s upcoming National Sustainable Grassroots Development Conference scheduled for April 29–30, 2025.
“Increased revenue allocation to local governments is not just necessary—it is urgent,” she stressed. “Financial autonomy and improved funding will accelerate development at the grassroots. We thank RMAFC and other progressive institutions for championing this cause.” She said.
Barr. Enekwe also emphasized ALGON’s long-standing advocacy for equitable revenue sharing. “For over 20 years, the conversation has remained the same, and it is time for real change.” she further said.
Earlier in their remarks, some RMAFC Commissioners stressed the importance of robust collaboration between the Commission and ALGON:
Hon. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba Haruna, mni representing Kebbi state in the Commission, recalled a national policy paper she co-authored at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in 2022 on Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria, highlighting the alignment of ALGON’s objectives with the Commission’s mandate to promote fiscal efficiency at subnational levels.
In his contribution, the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara state on the Commission, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka lamented the weakening of local governments due to excessive state interference.
He said, “Today, most local governments exist only in theory, their powers hijacked by governors. We look forward to functional and sustainable local councils as enshrined in the constitution.”
Other members of the ALGON delegation included Salawu Nuhu Ozigi, FCA (Director of Finance and Accounts), Lawal Ibrahim (Director, Admin & Human Resources), Obiora Orji (Head of Media and Publicity), and Lateefa Isah (Principal Consultant on the Sustainable Grassroots Development Programme).
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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