Business
RMAFC Hosts Kogi State Governor, Pledges Strategic Support On 13% Derivation Funds and Resources Optimization
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR has pledged the readiness of RMAFC to ensure that Kogi State receives its due share of the 13% derivation fund as and when due.
The Chairman stated this on Tueaday 18th November 2025 in a statement issued by the Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, RMAFC Maryam Umar Yusuf, shortly after he hosted His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State who led a high-level delegation of officials from the state to an interrractive session with the Commission at its headquarters on how best the state can start benefitting from the 13% derivation fund since it is now recognised as an oil producing state in the country.
Dr. Shehu, who emphasized the commitment of RMAFC to transparent and equitable distribution of revenues to the beneficiaries as stipulated by law, assured the Governor of RMAFC’s unwavering commitment to a fair and just fiscal federalism while pledging that the state would get whatever is due to it. He therefore assured the delegation of the full support of the Commission to the State.
He said, “Whatever issue you table before us, we will try as much as possible, within the provisions of the law to see that Kogi State gets what it deserves. Our role is to ensure that the state receives its rightful share of resources, whether from oil, gas, or solid minerals, and that every allocation is properly documented and protected.”
He further said, ” We will stand firmly with you to provide the data, guidance, and technical support needed to optimize these resources for the benefit of your citizens.”
The Chairman thereafter directed the constitution of a committee comprising officials from Gas Investments and Crude Oil Departments of RMAFC, NIgeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission ( NUPRC) and Kogi State government to look into the issues raised with the view to finding appropriate solutions to them.
In his speech, Governor Ododo lamented that Kogi state is not enjoying the benefits of the numerous mineral resources it is blessed with.
He wondered why the state was yet to benefit from the 13% derivation fund since its recognition as an oil producing state . The governor therefore sought information on the status of oil and gas activities in the state. He expressed confidence that the Commission would appropriately handle their requests.
He said “I thank you most sincerely for this warm reception and for your vision. We look forward to continued engagement with the Commission to ensure that the resources of Kogi State are fully optimized and benefit our people.”
In her contribution, Barr. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba-Haruna, Federal Commissioner, Kebbi State, remarked that the 13% derivation under public funds in the 1999 Constitution is something the Commission takes very seriously adding that proper data is essential to ensure that states receive what is rightfully theirs while Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner, Rivers State, advised the state goverment to study the post-PIA frameworks so as to be guided in any contractual obligation to know what belongs to the state and avoid challenges in the future.
On the management of solid minerals, Dr. Udodirim Okongwu Director, Inland Revenue Department, who represented the Secretary to the Commisdion, assured the Governor that the Commission is empowered to get every data that is required.
She advised the governor to establish buying centers in the state so as to get attribution for every solid mineral transaction in the state.
Hon. Ashiru Asiwaju, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Kogi State emphasized the commitment of the state government to attract additional players in the oil and gas sector by deliberately making available the information that will compel investments to happen.
Mrs. Ekekhide Jennifer, Assistant Director and Head of NUPRC delegation, revealed the ongoing production from OPL 915 (now OML 155) while emphasizing the importance of security and infrastructure development to provide a suitable atmosphere for investors in the sector.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of RMAFC and Kogi State to strengthen fiscal governance, promote transparency in the management of derivation funds, and ensure that Nigeria’s oil, gas, and solid mineral resources contribute fully to the development of the state and welfare of its citizens.
Business
NTDA: Naija Flavour Poised to Create Wealth, Empower SMEs, and Drive National Growth
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan, has affirmed that the 2025 edition of Naija Flavour… Destination December will play a pivotal role in creating wealth, empowering local businesses, strengthening the creative economy, and accelerating national growth.
Scheduled for December 13, 2025, Naija Flavour will showcase a vibrant marketplace of culture, food, fashion, games, live theatre, and music. Designed as a platform for SMEs to increase visibility, attract customers, and build partnerships, the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the launching in Abuja on Friday, the DG described Naija Flavour as a strategic cultural tourism initiative that channels Nigeria’s identity, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy into economic impact.
“Naija Flavour has been conceptualised to generate wealth, empower local businesses, strengthen our creative economy, and build a tourism experience that sustains itself and stimulates national growth,” Awakan said.
He noted that Nigeria’s globally recognised Detty December culture has become a magnet for visitors seeking the country’s music, food, nightlife, and cultural vibrancy. NTDA, he explained, saw an opportunity to transform this natural phenomenon into a structured tourism product.
“Nigeria is not just a country; we are a global vibe. So, we asked ourselves: how do we package that vibe into a tourism experience that drives jobs, revenue, and international attention? Naija Flavour is our answer,” he said.
To amplify cultural tourism, NTDA also unveiled a theatrical production titled Echoes of the Drums—a celebration of unity, ecotourism, folklore, and Nigeria’s ancestral heritage. Written by Ola Awakan and directed by Isioma Williams, the production will serve as a centrepiece for cultural storytelling.
Awakan expressed appreciation for institutional partners including The Monoliza Abuja, NIHOTOUR, the National Troupe of Nigeria, CBAAC, NFVCB, and GOTHAD.
He called on the media, corporate bodies, SMEs, and creative entrepreneurs to support the movement and seize the opportunities Naija Flavour will unlock.
“Let the flavours travel. Let the world know that Nigeria is shaping tourism with innovation, entertainment, and economic impact,” he said.
Encouraging Nigerians and global visitors to save the date, he added: “Naija Flavour is a celebration of our diversity, creativity, and innovation. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to build a tourism industry that generates income, sustains jobs, and promotes national pride. Let the drums speak. Let the flavours rise. Let Nigeria shine.”
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