FG tasks RMAFC on fiscal transparency, prudence in delivery of mandate

The Federal Government has tasked members of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to be transparent and prudent in the delivery of their constitutional mandate.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, urged the RMAFC to align its policy with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the areas of revenue optimisation, economic diversification, and prudent public expenditure.

Speaking on Monday in Uyo during the retreat and inauguration of newly appointed members of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Shettima stated that as custodians of a system that ensures equity among the three tiers of government and promotes fiscal balance across the federation, they should view their appointment as a responsibility, not a privilege.

“This retreat offers you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the commission’s mandate, internal structures, intergovernmental dynamics, and evolving fiscal realities. It is also a platform to align with the policy direction of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas of revenue optimisation, economic diversification, and prudent public expenditure.

“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 Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, who has been actively engaging relevant authorities to secure the necessary approvals for enhanced funding of the commission.

“This proactive step is both timely and strategic, as improved funding is essential to strengthen the commission’s operational capacity, enhance data-driven decision-making and ensure the effective discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. I assure you that this administration recognises these efforts and is committed to supporting initiatives that enable the Commission to function optimally.

“Be that as it may, this retreat is more than an orientation; it is a call to national service at a time when our country is undergoing major reforms aimed at repositioning the economy and optimising our revenue generation through improved tax systems. The RMAFC occupies a critical place in this journey, as its work directly impacts the fiscal health and cohesion of our Federation.

“I urge each Member of the Commission to view your appointment not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to uphold transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the discharge of your constitutional mandate. You are the custodians of a system that ensures equity among the three tiers of government and promotes fiscal balance across the federation,” he stated.

While speaking, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, applauded President Bola Tinubu for his boldness in embarking on reform agenda to rejig the country’s economy, adding that though Nigerians may suffer as a result of the reform, the hardship is temporary.

“I show my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for some of the bold steps he has taken to rejig Nigeria’s economy, even though we may experience certain levels of hardship associated with some of the policies that he has brought to bear.

“We want to say, let me say this as governor, that some of these decisions have helped sub-nationals to receive more funding from the federation account, and these have helped us as governors of sub-nationals to execute projects to improve the lives of our people.

“If these steps were not taken, some states would not be able to pay salaries now; this means some states would have borrowed and amassed debts for generations yet unborn.

“It takes a leader who is bold to take some audacious decisions which sometimes may not be nice in the immediate, but after some time, it is for growth. I know that this commission will do anything to continue to support President Bola Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda to continue to mobilise funds that are made available to states,” he stated.

Calling for an upward review of 13 per cent oil revenue to oil-producing states, Eno said, “Let me appeal to the commission to look into the area of conflicting oil-revenue remittances; one of the indices affect our 13 per cent derivation to oil-producing states”.

The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), M. B. Shehu, said the theme of the retreat, “Understanding the Role of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and Other Stakeholders/Agencies in Nation Building” is designed to familiarise and equip members with the operations and responsibilities of the commission.

Shehu who said it is targeted at preparing members to deliver efficiently on the mandates of the commission and contribute to nation building, stated that the commission is one of the fourteen Federal Executive Bodies established by Section 153 (1) (n) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He noted that the responsibilities of the commission are very sensitive and wide-ranging and have serious as weil as fundamental implications for the unity and socio-economic fevelopment of the country.

“The Commission’s functions, which are spelt out in Paragraph 32 (a-e) of Part 1 to the Third Schedule of the same Constitution, include monitoring of accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account, reviewing from time to time the revenue allocation formulae, determining the remuneration appropriate to political office holders (including the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Legislators, etc.), and advising the Federal and State Governments on fiscal efficiency and methods by which their revenue can be increased,” he said.

He added that those are profound responsibilities that directly affected the well-being of the nation and the functioning of the federal system.

While speaking, the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, said the NGF had been a strong proponent of reform, and they had matched advocacy with action.

Abdulrazak stated that last year alone, the forum supported state-level reforms under the SABER (State Action on Business Enabling Reforms) programme, which had improved land administration, streamlined Right of Way approvals, and enhanced ease of doing business-creating conditions that unlock investment and expand the tax base across states.

He stated that the reforms were critical levers for boosting internally generated revenue and reducing over-reliance on federal allocations.

“We have strengthened data systems across states to improve our internally generated revenue (IGR)”.