The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Muhammed Shehu, has commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for what he described as prudent management of the state’s resources, citing the administration’s investments in infrastructure, education and other sectors.
Shehu spoke on Tuesday when he led members of the commission on a courtesy visit to Otti at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.
The RMAFC chairman said developments recorded across the state since Otti assumed office reflected what could be achieved through responsible management of public resources.
He particularly mentioned the administration’s investment in road infrastructure and education, saying the projects had made a significant impact on the state.
“I am so glad that today I am able to make it, to see you here and to see all the developmental strides that you have taken and are still undertaking since you assumed office as the Executive Governor of this state,” Shehu said.
He described Abia as fortunate to have Otti as governor, adding that the state’s performance had attracted positive assessments.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to say that this state is blessed to have you as Governor. Every independent analyst will testify that this is the best, if not the best-governed state in Nigeria, and you are certainly the best among all those who have governed the state,” he said.
Shehu also acknowledged the administration’s interventions in primary healthcare, fiscal transparency and security.
According to him, improvements in Abia’s fiscal position and the peaceful environment in the state were among indications of what he described as responsible governance.
He cited the state’s rise from 17th to fourth position in fiscal transparency and the reduction in its debt profile as notable developments.
The RMAFC chairman expressed appreciation to the governor for supporting the commission in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He specifically thanked Otti for providing land for the construction of RMAFC’s permanent office in Abia State.
Shehu disclosed that the commission was implementing reforms aimed at strengthening revenue monitoring and improving the use of technology in tracking government revenue.
He said the reforms would include greater digitalisation and real-time access to revenue information from revenue-generating agencies.
The commission, he added, was also working on a review of the revenue allocation formula used in distributing funds among the three tiers of government.
According to him, the existing formula has been in operation for several decades and requires adjustment to reflect the changing responsibilities of the Federal Government, states and local governments.
He noted that states had assumed greater responsibilities in areas such as transportation infrastructure and other sectors that were previously dominated by the Federal Government.
“The formula that is currently being used has been there for several decades. We need to look at it and make it reflect the responsibilities that the three tiers of government have today,” Shehu said.
He said the commission was also taking measures to ensure that government revenue was properly recovered and subsequently allocated and utilised for development.
On the proposed permanent office in Abia, Shehu assured the governor that the building would conform to the standard of RMAFC offices across the country when completed.
In his response, Governor Otti welcomed the commission’s reform initiatives, particularly the proposed review of the revenue allocation formula.
He expressed optimism that the reforms would give states greater financial capacity to respond to the needs of their citizens.
“We are very happy that you are doing what you are doing there. And we know that with the changes that you are proposing, and with the President supporting us, we know we can, as stated, be more empowered,” Otti said.
The governor added that greater financial autonomy for states would enable them to undertake more development projects.
“If states are more empowered, they will do a lot more good for these states,” he said.
Otti assured RMAFC of his administration’s continued cooperation and support, while expressing hope that the proposed revenue allocation formula would be concluded and implemented soon.
He said an improved allocation system would enable states to deploy more resources towards infrastructure, social services and other areas of development.
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