Featured

RMAFC Earns Praise from FG for Resourcefulness

Published

5 months ago

April 29, 2025

…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.

Share on Facebook

Featured

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

Published

6 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.

Share on Facebook