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.
Agriculture
PULA, Leadway Assurance Disburse ₦396 Million to Climate-Affected Farmers, Strengthen Food Security Efforts
In a major intervention to shield smallholder farmers from climate shocks, agri-insurtech firm PULA has spearheaded the disbursement of ₦396,697,672 in insurance claims to over 40,000 farmers impacted during the 2025 wet season.
The payout, executed in partnership with Leadway Assurance and supported by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), covered farmers across Taraba, Borno, Kaduna, and Plateau States who suffered climate-related losses.
The initiative was made possible in part by Bayer Foundation, whose $450,000 premium subsidy support in 2025 wet season helped lower the cost of insurance for thousands of vulnerable smallholders in 8 states, with 4 states receiving payouts. The Foundation is set to scale up its contribution to match the growing aspirations of state governments.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony in Abuja during the 2025 Wet Season Insurance Claims Payout under the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM), PULA’s Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Michael Enahoro, said the initiative goes beyond compensation, insisting that it’s about securing Nigeria’s food systems.
“Our focus is not just on payouts but on increasing food production. We must continue to support farmers who work tirelessly under harsh conditions to feed the nation,” Dr. Enahoro said. He called for stronger policies that directly impact farmers and reaffirmed PULA’s commitment to expanding agricultural insurance as a tool for resilience.
PULA’s data-driven approach to climate risk was key to identifying affected farmers and triggering payments. The company worked with Leadway Assurance to underwrite the risk, while PFSCU aligned the program with the national food security agenda. State governments also supported grassroots enrollment.
Gboyega Lesi, MD/CEO of Leadway Assurance, described the payout as “a reinforcement of a safety net that protects the hard work of thousands of farmers,” adding that “through climate insurance, we ensure that a bad season does not translate into total loss of livelihood.” He commended PULA’s technology and field structure for making rapid, transparent payouts possible.
Ayoola Fatona, Global Head of Agric Solutions at Leadway Assurance, noted that the 2025 wet season brought significant climate variability and yield fluctuations. “The true value of insurance lies in claims payment, especially in challenging periods. Our data-driven partnership with PULA helped mitigate losses,” he said.
Looking ahead, PULA and Leadway Assurance plan to scale coverage to 73,000 farmers in the 2026 farming season, deepening penetration of climate insurance across Nigeria’s food-producing belts.
Commissioners from the beneficiary states commended PULA and Leadway Assurance for de-risking agriculture, restoring farmers’ confidence, and building a more resilient agricultural sector
State-by-state breakdown of claims facilitated by PULA:
- Taraba State: ₦154,308,035
- Borno State: ₦127,192,472
- Kaduna State: ₦69,726,150
- Plateau State: ₦45,471,015
Total: ₦396.7 million.
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