The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal governance through institutional reforms, digital transformation, enhanced revenue monitoring, and transparent allocation of federation revenues.
Speaking during an interview with some media men at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 6 August 2026, Dr. Shehu described the RMAFC as one of Nigeria’s most strategic constitutional institutions, entrusted with safeguarding the nation’s revenue architecture and ensuring that all monies due to the Federation Account are properly accounted for and equitably distributed.
The Chairman explained that the Commission derives its constitutional mandate from the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Paragraph 32, Part I of the third schedule, noting that RMAFC is one of the country’s fourteen constitutional bodies established to promote fiscal accountability, transparency and equity.
According to him, the Commission’s responsibilities extend beyond revenue sharing, encompassing the monitoring of all revenues accruing to the Federation Account, tracking disbursements, advising governments on revenue enhancement 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 government on sustainable revenue mobilisation strategies. Our duty is to protect the Federation Account without fear or favour,” Dr. Shehu stated.
Providing historical insight into the Commission’s evolution, Dr. Shehu noted that although revenue allocation institutions existed before Nigeria’s independence, the present structure was significantly strengthened through reforms introduced during the administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida in 1989 before attaining constitutional status under the 1999 Constitution.
He further explained that RMAFC also plays a statutory role in determining the remuneration of political office holders, including the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Legislators and Judicial Officers, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
On revenue monitoring, the Chairman disclosed that the Commission maintains a comprehensive oversight mechanism covering all revenues collected on behalf of the Federation by key revenue-generating agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the Nigerian Revenue Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Ministry of Finance and other relevant institutions.
Dr. Shehu stated that the Commission conducts monthly reconciliation exercises through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), where representatives of the Federal Government, States, revenue-generating agencies and other statutory stakeholders scrutinise financial records to verify the accuracy of revenues due to the Federation.
According to him, where discrepancies are identified, the Commission demands explanations backed by documentary evidence until all figures are fully reconciled.
“Whenever there is any inconsistency between reported revenues and actual receipts into the Federation Account, the Commission immediately raises the issue. We rely on documentary evidence and detailed reconciliation processes to ensure that no revenue due to Nigeria is lost.”
The Chairman also highlighted the collaborative framework that exists among stakeholders during FAAC meetings, explaining that the Minister of Finance, representatives of the Presidency, State Commissioners of Finance, Accountants-General of the Federation and heads of major revenue agencies participate in technical sessions aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in revenue administration.
He added that sanctions exist for agencies or stakeholders that fail to cooperate with established accountability processes, stressing that institutional discipline remains essential to protecting national resources.
A major highlight of the interview was the Commission’s ongoing digital transformation programme.
Dr. Shehu revealed that RMAFC is digitising its entire revenue monitoring process through electronic monitoring systems, live-source data integration, advanced data analytics and the establishment of an internal data storage and research facility.
He disclosed that the digitalisation programme is expected to enable near real-time monitoring and reconciliation of federation revenues while significantly improving operational efficiency and institutional responsiveness.
“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.”
The Chairman explained that the reform agenda also includes extensive capacity building for staff, recruitment of young technical professionals, improved staff welfare, office modernisation and legal reforms aimed at strengthening the Commission’s operational independence and long-term sustainability.
On Nigeria’s economic future, Dr. Shehu emphasised the urgent need for revenue diversification, stressing that the country must reduce its dependence on oil by unlocking the enormous potential of agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, entertainment, technology, digital innovation and human capital development.
He maintained that achieving sustainable revenue growth would require stronger legal frameworks, improved security, institutional coordination and deliberate investments capable of unlocking new sources of national wealth.
“Nigeria possesses enormous economic opportunities beyond oil. With the right policies, legal frameworks, institutional collaboration and security, sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, technology and the creative economy can become major contributors to national revenue.”
Dr. Shehu concluded by reaffirming his determination to build a transparent, resilient and professionally driven institution whose systems would remain effective beyond individual administrations.
He stressed that the Commission’s vision is to strengthen institutional continuity, preserve public confidence in fiscal governance and ensure that Nigeria’s revenue management framework continues to serve the collective interests of present and future generations.
Umar Maryam Yusuf
Head, information and public relations unit, RMAFC