…As Commission poised to review Revenue Allocation Formula and remuneration packages of political and public office holders

Joel Ajayi 

The Federal Government has commended the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, for his proactive leadership and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 retreat for newly inaugurated Members of the Commission held in Uyo Awka Ibom State on Monday 28th April 2025 , the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by Ibrahim Natagwandu, Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Public Debt and Revenue Mobilisation, lauded the Chairman for his efforts in engaging relevant authorities to  enhance the capacity of the Commission to implement it’s mandate.

The vice President who also praised the Commission for organising the retreat said,”I commend the leadership of the Commission for initiating this engagement, which is timely, strategic, and in alignment with our administration’s vision for fiscal prudence, equity, and sustainable development. Let me also acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Chairman of the RMAFC, who has been actively pursuing improved funding to strengthen operational capacity, enhance data-driven decision-making, and ensure the effective discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.”

In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno Bassey, warmly welcomed participants to the State and praised Dr. Shehu for his visionary leadership. Governor Bassey highlighted the importance of the Commission’s work in promoting inter-governmental collaboration and described the decision to host the retreat in Akwa Ibom as a testament to the State’s commitment to national development and fiscal innovation. He assured the Commission of Akwa Ibom’s continued support in all efforts to deepen fiscal federalism and strengthen economic management across the country.

While delivering his goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, represented by Razaq Fatai, Head of Data and Analytics, underscored the critical role of RMAFC in repositioning Nigeria’s fiscal framework amidst global economic uncertainties. He emphasized the urgent need for a new revenue allocation formula that aligns with current economic realities, stressing that “A balanced and just formula is imperative for the effective delivery of public services and the deepening of democratic dividends.” 

In his address, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Barr. Imarha Ogehnenyerowo Ruben commended the Commission’s commitment to promoting fiscal discipline, equity, and transparency.

He acknowledged the legal and operational challenges faced by the RMAFC . He, therefore, gave the assurance of the Federal Ministry of Justice’s readiness to provide necessary legal guidance and support to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness.

“Where there are constitutional ambiguities or statutory constraints, we stand ready to work with the Commission and the National Assembly to provide the necessary legal reforms,” he stated.  Justice Fagbemi urged all participants to deliberate with openness and a strong commitment to national interest.

Speaking at the occasion , the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, praised the Commission for its far-reaching impact across federal, state, and local governments.

He noted that RMAFC’s work goes beyond federal boundaries, directly affecting grassroots development, and called for stronger legislative collaboration to support its initiatives
In his welcome address, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. M. B. Shehu, OFR, expressed his profound appreciation to all dignitaries and participants for honoring the Commission’s invitation to the retreat. He emphasized that the retreat was designed not only to familiarize the new Members with the Commission’s operations but also to prepare them to deliver efficiently on its constitutional mandates.

“We are custodians of the fiscal soul of the Federation,” he noted, “and history beckons on us to leave a legacy of transparency, diligence, and innovation.”  Dr. Shehu reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fast-tracking the review of the revenue allocation formula and the remuneration packages for political and public office holders.

He further stated that the Commission was steadfast in promoting revenue diversification initiatives among the three tiers of government.

“We urge governments at all levels to invest in agriculture, tourism, and solid minerals development to expand their revenue base,” he said. Dr. Shehu assured that the Commission, under his leadership, would continue to support efforts geared towards enhancing non-oil revenue mobilization and fiscal wellbeing in line with the aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 The Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaze, who gave the vote of thanks at the end of the opening ceremony, expressed profound appreciation to all dignitaries, resource persons, and participants for gracing the occasion. He especially thanked the Vice President, the Executive Governors, Members of the National Assembly, and other stakeholders for their support.

“Your presence and contributions have greatly enriched our deliberations and reaffirmed the collective commitment to strengthen fiscal governance and intergovernmental collaboration in Nigeria,” Engr. Nwaze said.

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