By Peter Okore, Umuahia
A delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), led by Mrs. Omowumi Ogunlola, Federal Commissioner representing Ekiti State, has commenced a working visit to Abia State as part of a nationwide exercise to verify and update data used in the allocation of revenue among the Federal Government, states and local government councils.
Speaking during a visit to Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Umuahia, Ogunlola explained that the exercise is in line with the Commission’s constitutional mandate under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers it to periodically review the revenue allocation formula to reflect prevailing realities across the country.
She appealed to the Abia State Government to provide access to relevant data and records, designate competent liaison officers to work with the Commission’s team, facilitate access to local government areas and create a conducive environment for the successful conduct of the exercise.
Ogunlola commended Governor Otti’s administration for its achievements in governance and noted that Nigeria’s revenue allocation system is based on a set of parameters and indices designed to ensure fairness, equity and justice in the distribution of national resources.
“It is therefore imperative that the data underpinning these indices are periodically verified and updated to reflect present-day realities,” she said.
According to her, the ongoing review of the revenue allocation formula has reached an advanced stage, making it necessary to validate the integrity and accuracy of the data that will guide future revenue distribution across the federation.
“The ongoing review of the revenue allocation formula has reached an advanced stage, making it necessary to validate the integrity and accuracy of the data that will ultimately guide the distribution of revenue across the federation,” Ogunlola added.
Responding, Governor Otti assured the Commission of his administration’s full cooperation and support throughout the exercise.
He disclosed that relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had already been directed to provide all necessary information and assistance required by the Commission.
“We are happy that you are here on this national data verification exercise, and you can be assured that our team will provide you with all the support and information you require.
“The Commissioner for Finance and his team have been designated to attend to anything you require. I am sure that we will make your assignment seamless and easy,” the governor said.
Governor Otti stressed that while equitable revenue allocation remains important, greater attention should be paid to strengthening internal revenue generation and building economically sustainable states.
He warned that excessive dependence on oil revenue poses long-term risks, particularly as countries around the world continue to transition away from fossil fuels.
“I have always held the view that while resource distribution and allocation are important, resource generation is even more important. We will continue to enjoy the benefits while they last.
“What I am saying is that this arrangement is acceptable for now, but a more fundamental issue is how to make states financially independent and capable of generating sufficient revenue, even if there is eventually no oil revenue to share. It may not happen today, but it will happen someday,” Otti said.
The governor also encouraged members of the delegation to visit the state’s commercial and industrial hubs to gain firsthand knowledge of Abia’s economic potential and investment opportunities.
Members of the Abia State team assigned to work with the RMAFC delegation include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Finance, Chief Uwaoma Ukandu; Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue and Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Dr. Emmanuel Okpechi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke; and the Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Iheke.