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RMAFC Charts Path For A New Revenue Allocation Formula To Strengthen Fiscal Federalism
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to produce a new, equitable, and data-driven Revenue Allocation Formula that reflects Nigeria’s current economic and constitutional realities.
Speaking at a panel discussion tittled, “Recalibrating Nigeria’s Revenue Allocation Formula” held on Monday, 13th October 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Dr. Shehu said the existing formula approved in 1992 no longer reflects Nigeria’s fiscal responsibilities, demographic shifts, or governance realities.
He explained that recent amendments to the RMAFC Act have empowered the Commission to engage directly with private sector entities, including oil companies, in verifying and recovering revenues due to the Federation. The Chairman added that beyond allocation, revenue mobilisation and accountability remain central to achieving sustainable development.
Dr. Shehu gave the assurance that the review will ensure fairness, balance, and national cohesion. He therefore urged participants to set aside personal interests and deliberate as patriotic Nigerians.
He said, “Our goal is to design a formular that empowers subnational governments to meet their constitutional obligations effectively while maintaining national cohesion and macroeconomic stability. As we deliberate today, let us approach this dialogue not as representatives of different interests but as custodians of shared destiny. The choices we make here will shape the capacity of governments to deliver education to our children, healthcare to our citizens, and infrastructure to our communities.”
Speaking, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, CON, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, said, “No matter how brilliant the ideas or technical solutions are, without political consensus and a shared national vision, progress will remain elusive.” He urged stakeholders to build transparency and trust to achieve the desired reform.
The Executive Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who was represented by Dr. Abdulateef Shittu commended RMAFC for creating a neutral platform for dialogue between the federal and subnational governments while pledging the Forum’s support for a just and workable formula.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON commended the Commission’s effort and acknowledged that recalibrating the formula is key to national stability. According to him, “Our Constitution envisages cooperation among all tiers of government in advancing the welfare and security of the people. Equity must begin with revenue mobilisation, not merely allocation.”
In her remarks, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, called for a courageous and conclusive review that aligns fiscal reforms with Nigeria’s development .
The panel session, moderated by Eugenia Abu, featured experts, including Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Prof. Nazifi Darma, and Prof. Muhammad Muttaka Usman. Discussions covered constitutional, legal, and economic perspectives, with panelists urging a formula that promotes fiscal responsibility, innovation, and subnational accountability.
Some stakeholders at the occasion advised that the subnationals should be empowered to take more responsibilities and resources to take care of the people.
In his vote of thanks, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, OON, Chairman, Revenue Allocation Formula Committee, appreciated all participants for their valuable insights, assuring that the Commission will integrate all recommendations into a fair, balanced, and sustainable revenue formula for Nigeria.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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