The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) has commenced a nationwide data verification exercise aimed at updating and validating critical information used in the allocation of revenue among states and local government councils across the country.
Verification Team Visits Delta State
The RMFAC Team Leader, Mohammed Kabir Usman, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at Government House, Asaba, as part of the commission’s ongoing nationwide engagement ahead of the review of the country’s revenue allocation formula.
Usman, who led the verification team alongside the Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in the commission, Mr. Aruviere Martins Egharhevwa, said the exercise forms part of RMFAC’s constitutional responsibility to continuously review and update the revenue allocation formula in line with evolving socio-economic realities across Nigeria.
Purpose and Scope of the Exercise
The nationwide exercise is expected to provide a more accurate database for the ongoing review of Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula, a key fiscal framework that determines how federally generated revenues are shared among the three tiers of government.
According to him, the review process has reached an advanced stage, making it imperative to verify and validate the integrity, accuracy and reliability of data that would ultimately guide the equitable distribution of revenue across the federation.
He explained that factors such as population growth, infrastructure expansion and emerging developmental challenges across states and local governments necessitate periodic reviews and verification of the data used in determining allocation indices.
“The review of the revenue allocation formula has reached an advanced stage, and it has become necessary to validate the integrity and accuracy of the data that will ultimately inform the distribution of revenue across the federation,” Usman stated.
Digitisation and Collaboration
He further revealed that the commission had earlier organized training programmes for officials of state and local governments on data collection and management procedures. In addition, RMFAC has digitised its data gathering processes to improve efficiency, transparency and accuracy.
Usman noted that the verification team would collaborate closely with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as local government authorities, to ensure that the information collected accurately reflects current realities in each state.
He stressed that the outcome of the exercise would have far-reaching implications for the federation and individual states, as credible and comprehensive data could significantly influence future revenue allocations.
Assuring stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and fairness, Usman said the exercise would be conducted in accordance with national and international best practices.
Governor Oborevwori's Response
Responding, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent management of public resources, accountability and transparency. The governor highlighted the state’s significant investments in critical sectors, including healthcare, education and infrastructure, noting that such investments have improved Delta State’s developmental indicators.
“We remain conscious of the need for prudence, accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. As a government, we have massively invested in hospitals, schools and other social infrastructure which have improved the indices of the state in the country,” Oborevwori said.
He added: “We are not just saying it; you will see it. As you go around the state, you will see what we have done. I can boldly state that in Delta State, we have been working round the clock across the 25 local government areas. We are doing projects in roads, schools, hospitals and other sectors. They are there for you to verify.”
The governor assured the commission of the state’s full support throughout the exercise, disclosing that all relevant ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the 25 local government councils, had been adequately briefed and mobilised to cooperate with the verification team.
