The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Launches Nationwide Data Verification to Strengthen Revenue Sharing Framework
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a nationwide data verification exercise aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s revenue allocation system and aligning it with current socio-economic realities.
Speaking during a media interview, the Commission’s Chairman, Mohammed Bello Shehu, described the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening fiscal federalism and improving national development planning across Nigeria.
According to him, the exercise is designed to reassess the indices and parameters used in distributing revenue among states and local governments, ensuring that allocations are based on accurate and up-to-date data.
He emphasized that reliable data is critical to building a fair and sustainable revenue system, noting that transparency and equity in resource distribution depend on credible information.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework reflects the realities on the ground. Accurate data is the backbone of fairness, equity, and national cohesion,” he stated.
Dr. Shehu called on state governments, local authorities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders to cooperate fully with verification teams deployed across the country. He noted that the outcome of the exercise will have wide-reaching implications for fiscal management, national planning, and balanced regional development.
The Commission explained that the exercise will be carried out in phases across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, involving the collection, validation, and reconciliation of key socio-economic and infrastructural data. Areas of focus include education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and internally generated revenue capacity.
Stakeholder engagement sessions will also be held nationwide to promote transparency and encourage collaboration between government institutions and local communities.
Dr. Shehu further highlighted that Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula is based on indices such as population, landmass, and development indicators, all of which require periodic review due to ongoing changes like population growth, urbanisation, and infrastructural expansion.
He added that the current review of the revenue allocation formula is at an advanced stage, making the verification exercise crucial to ensuring the credibility and accuracy of the data that will shape future allocations.
The Commission reaffirmed that the initiative is not only a statutory duty but also a strategic effort to strengthen institutional trust and support evidence-based policymaking across the federation.
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