Revenue formula review: Gov Namadi expresses hope for fairness in RMAFC exercise
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has expressed hope that the upcoming review of Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) would be guided by fairness, equity, and justice for all states and stakeholders.
The Governor stated this while receiving a delegation from the Commission led by Barrister Imo Effiong Akpan, the Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, at Government House, Dutse.
The delegation was in Jigawa State to formally commence the Nationwide Data Verification Exercise being conducted across the federation as part of the ongoing review of the revenue allocation formula.
Namadi described the exercise as timely and necessary in view of changing socioeconomic realities across the country, while commending the Commission for initiating the process.
“We are confident that there will be fairness in this exercise. We believe everybody will be treated fairly according to the standards expected,” the Governor said.
He said that previous efforts to review the revenue allocation formula did not achieve the desired success, but expressed optimism that the current leadership of the Commission would successfully deliver on the assignment.
“The bold attempt by the Commission to review the revenue allocation formula is something to be appreciated because several attempts were made in the past without success,” he stated.
“But with the determination demonstrated by the current leadership, we are optimistic that this exercise will succeed, Insha’Allah.”
Namadi further assured the Commission of the Jigawa State Government’s full support and cooperation throughout the exercise.
Earlier, Barrister Imo Effiong Akpan said the Nationwide Data Verification Exercise was aimed at ensuring that the data used for revenue allocation accurately reflects current realities across the federation.
He explained that changing population dynamics, infrastructure expansion, and developmental realities across states make periodic review and verification necessary to guarantee fairness and equity in the sharing of national resources.
Bar. Akpan also assured the Governor that the exercise would be conducted with professionalism, transparency, and objectivity in line with best practices.
