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RMAFC Concludes Strategic Retreat In Uyo

Published

5 months ago

May 1, 2025

…Charts Path for Fiscal Reform

Joel Ajayi

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has concluded a high-level, three-day retreat for its members and senior management staff at the Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The retreat, which was held from April 28th to 30th, 2025, was themed “Understanding the Role of RMAFC and Other Stakeholders/Agencies in Nation Building”_

The Chairman of the Commission Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu OFR disclosed that the retreat was designed to enlighten the newly inaugurated members of the Commission and strengthen the operational focus of the organisation to align with the national economic realities so as to accelerate the actualization of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a communique issued at the end of the retreat, which was presented by the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State and Chairman, Public Affairs and Communications Committee of the Commission, Hon. Ismail Muhammed Agaka, the Commission emphasized the urgent need to review the revenue allocation formula to reflect changing realities as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, considering the fact that the current formula has been in existence for about 16 years.

The communique also called for constitutional amendment to allow the inclusion of the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors among the beneficiaries of the remuneration package listed in the 1999 Constitution as ammended.

Its stated that Section 162 (6) of the constitution should be amended to ensure that the allocations of the Local Governments are paid directly to them from the Federation Account in line with the Supreme Court ruling delivered on July 11, 2024 on Local Government financial autonomy.

The communique called for the amendment of Section 162(2) to establish a clear timeline for presidential submission of RMAFC proposals to the National Assembly.

Other major highlights of the communique are:
Establishment of a National Revenue Dashboard for digital, real-time revenue tracking; The Commission should advocate the ammendment of the relevant sections of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA to expand the composition of the Board of the NNPC Limited to include representatives of states, local governments, and the Central Bank of Nigeria;

Creation of a distinct Office of the Accountan General of the Federation, separate from that of the Federal Government.

The commission in the communique said it would intensify its constitutional mandate of monitoring revenue accruals to ensure that all revenue due to the Federation Account were remitted accurately and promptly by the Revenue Generating Agencies.

The communique also stated that according to the spirit and letter of the Constitution, the advice of the RMAFC on the Remuneration package of Political, Public and Judicial office holders is binding on the Federal and State governments.

“The retreat marked a significant milestone in repositioning the Commission to respond more effectively to Nigeria’s evolving fiscal realities,” Hon. Agaka concluded.

The retreat was attended by top federal and state officials, such as the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Natagwandu, and the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, who delivered a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs Senator Yahaya Abdullahi and other distinguished personalities.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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