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RMAFC Hosts Kogi State Governor, Pledges Strategic Support On 13% Derivation Funds and Resources Optimization

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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.

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NEXIM Bank Advances Inclusive Growth Through Women and Ethical Leadership

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Joel Ajayi 

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Export-Import Bank, Mr. Abba Bello, has positioned women, ethical standards, and strong institutional values as central pillars of the Bank’s strategy to drive inclusive growth and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.


Speaking during activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Month, Bello emphasised that empowering women goes beyond symbolism, describing it as critical to societal stability and economic productivity.


 Represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Ibrahim Gaga, he stressed that women remain indispensable to both family and national development.

According to him, the role of women in society cannot be overstated, urging a shift in perception and greater respect for their contributions. He noted that when given leadership opportunities, women consistently demonstrate diligence, precision, and high performance.

Reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to institutional excellence, Executive Director, Business Development, Stella Okotete, highlighted the importance of workplace values in building trust and sustaining growth. 

She linked inclusion directly to development outcomes, noting that when women support one another, institutions become stronger, communities more stable, and nations progress faster. She reaffirmed NEXIM Bank’s commitment to empowering women across Nigeria’s export value chain.

Offering a private sector perspective, Chief Executive Officer of Kulu Abuja, Hauwa Abdulkareem, advocated collaboration over competition among women. 


Drawing from her experience, she emphasised the power of support networks, referrals, and visibility in advancing careers. 

She challenged women to prioritise value creation over financial gain, encouraging a mindset focused on impact and contribution.

On governance and ethical leadership, legal practitioner and clergy, Sally William Chinedu, presented a three-pronged framework centred on values, ethics, and active sisterhood. 

She described values as actions taken even in the absence of oversight, while defining ethics as a safeguard for reputation. She further called for intentional inclusion, urging organisations to amplify women’s voices and eliminate exclusionary practices.

Chinedu outlined practical steps for cultural transformation, encouraging individuals to uphold integrity, speak up for what is right, and actively support female colleagues in the workplace.

In her welcome remarks, Manager, Corporate Communications at NEXIM Bank, Lohya Mamven, reiterated the institution’s commitment to inclusivity. 

She stressed that investing in women is not only a matter of equity but a catalyst for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

The event, themed “Give to Gain: Shaping Women for Leadership and Legacy,” underscored a clear policy direction: embedding strong values, enforcing ethical accountability, and promoting collaboration as key drivers of institutional performance and inclusive growth.

At its core, the message from NEXIM Bank was clear—“Give to Gain” is more than a theme; it is a governance approach aimed at building integrity, strengthening trust, and unlocking the full potential of women in advancing Nigeria’s economic future.

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