By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal governance through institutional reforms, digital transformation, enhanced revenue monitoring and transparent allocation of federation revenues.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, stated this during an interview with journalists at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, saying RMAFC remains a critical constitutional institution responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s revenue architecture and ensuring that all revenues due to the Federation Account are properly accounted for and equitably distributed.
Shehu explained that the Commission derives its mandate from the 1999 Constitution (as amended), noting that its responsibilities go beyond revenue sharing to include monitoring all revenues accruing to the Federation Account, tracking disbursements, advising governments on revenue mobilization strategies and recommending the revenue allocation formula among the Federal, State and Local Governments.
“Our constitutional responsibility is to ensure that every kobo due to the Federation is properly accounted for. We monitor revenue generation, verify accruals, track disbursements and advise the government on sustainable revenue mobilisation strategies,” he said.
The RMAFC chairman noted that the Commission’s current structure evolved from reforms introduced in 1989 before attaining constitutional status under the 1999 Constitution. He added that the Commission is also constitutionally empowered to determine the remuneration of political office holders, including the President, Vice President, Governors, Ministers, legislators and judicial officers.
On revenue oversight, Shehu disclosed that the Commission monitors revenues collected on behalf of the Federation by major revenue-generating agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the Nigerian Revenue Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant institutions.
He explained that monthly reconciliation exercises conducted through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) enable stakeholders to scrutinize financial records and verify revenues due to the Federation, adding that discrepancies are investigated and reconciled using documentary evidence.
According to him, the accountability process involves the Minister of Finance, representatives of the Presidency, State Commissioners of Finance, the Accountant-General of the Federation and heads of revenue-generating agencies, while sanctions exist for institutions that fail to comply with established procedures.
A key aspect of the Commission’s reform agenda, Shehu said, is the ongoing digital transformation programme aimed at modernising revenue monitoring.
He revealed that RMAFC is deploying electronic monitoring systems, live-source data integration, advanced analytics and an internal data storage and research facility to enable near real-time monitoring and reconciliation of federation revenues.
“We are building a modern Commission driven by technology. Our objective is to achieve electronic monitoring, live reconciliation of revenue flows, robust internal data storage and evidence-based research that will strengthen decision-making and improve transparency,” he said.
The chairman added that the reforms also include staff capacity building, recruitment of technical professionals, improved staff welfare, office modernization and legal reforms to strengthen the Commission’s operational independence.
Shehu also called for accelerated revenue diversification, urging Nigeria to reduce its dependence on oil by developing sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, technology, entertainment and the creative economy.
He stressed that stronger legal frameworks, improved security and institutional collaboration would be critical to unlocking new sources of national revenue and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Reaffirming his commitment to institutional continuity, Shehu said the Commission would continue to build a transparent and resilient fiscal management system capable of serving the country’s long-term interests.
