The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has concluded a pivotal three-day strategic retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, aimed at strengthening fiscal governance and advancing reforms aligned with Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.

Held at the Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort from April 28 to 30, the retreat brought together RMAFC commissioners and senior management staff under the theme “Understanding the Role of RMAFC and Other Stakeholders/Agencies in Nation Building.”

According to Maryam Umar Yusuf, Head of the Commission’s Information and Public Relations Unit, the retreat was designed to deepen the understanding of the Commission’s constitutional role and realign its operations with the goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu, noted that the engagement was particularly important for newly inaugurated members and critical to strengthening institutional focus amid changing national and global economic realities.

In a communique presented at the end of the retreat by Hon. Ismail Muhammed Agaka, Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State and Chairman, Public Affairs and Communications Committee, the Commission emphasized the urgent need to review Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula, which has remained unchanged for 16 years, despite constitutional provisions for periodic revision.

Key recommendations from the communique include:

A constitutional amendment to reflect evolving fiscal realities, including the inclusion of Local Government Chairmen and Councilors among beneficiaries of the remuneration package.

Direct payment of allocations to Local Governments from the Federation Account in line with the July 11, 2024, Supreme Court ruling affirming Local Government financial autonomy.

Amendment of Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution to establish a timeline for presidential submission of RMAFC proposals to the National Assembly.

The Commission also proposed the:

Establishment of a National Revenue Dashboard to enable real-time digital tracking of revenue inflows;

Amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to expand the NNPC Limited board to include state, local government, and Central Bank of Nigeria representatives;

Creation of a distinct Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, separate from that of the Federal Government.

Furthermore, the Commission reaffirmed its constitutional duty to monitor revenue accruals, ensuring all funds due to the Federation Account are accurately and promptly remitted by revenue-generating agencies. It also reiterated that its recommendations on the remuneration of political, public, and judicial office holders remain constitutionally binding on all tiers of government.

“This retreat marks a major step in repositioning the Commission to better respond to Nigeria’s dynamic fiscal landscape,” said Hon. Agaka.

The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Natagwandu; Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; and Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.