RMAFC begins nationwide data verification for revenue sharing
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has begun a nationwide data verification exercise to improve how revenue is shared among states and local government councils. The commission says
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has begun a nationwide data verification exercise to improve how revenue is shared among states and local government councils.
The commission says the initiative is to reassess the key factors used to distribute funds from the Federation Account so allocations better reflect current economic and social conditions across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the commission's chairman, Mohammed Bello Shehu, described the exercise as an important step towards strengthening fiscal arrangements and supporting national development planning.
He said the effort focuses on ensuring that the system used to share revenue is based on accurate, up-to-date information.
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“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 said.
Dr. Shehu explained that the exercise would involve collecting and verifying critical data used to determine how resources are distributed among states and local governments. He noted that the aim is to build a more transparent system that responds to the needs of all parts of the country.
He called on state governments, local authorities, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to cooperate fully with officials conducting the exercise, stating their support is necessary for the process's success.
According to him, the exercise's outcome will influence future planning, public finance management, and efforts to ensure balanced development across different regions.
The commission said the exercise will be carried out in phases across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, with teams deployed to gather and verify data from relevant institutions and communities.
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It explained that the review will focus on key indicators, including access to education and healthcare, capacity to generate internal revenue, and the level of infrastructure development in each state and local government area.
The commission also plans to hold engagement sessions with stakeholders across the country to promote transparency and encourage participation in the process.
Dr. Shehu noted that the current revenue-sharing system relies on factors such as population, land area, infrastructure, and other development indicators, which must be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in the country.
He said Nigeria has experienced significant changes over the years, including population growth, urban expansion, and regional disparities in development, making it necessary to update existing data.
“Over time, Nigeria has witnessed major changes in its socio-economic structure. These changes make it important to verify existing data so that revenue sharing remains fair and transparent,” he said.
The chairman added that the ongoing review of the national revenue allocation formula is at an advanced stage, and the data verification exercise will help ensure that future allocations are based on reliable, up-to-date information.
He said commission officials will work closely with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as local government authorities and community representatives, to ensure that all collected data reflects the current situation across the country.
The commission maintained that the exercise is not only part of its legal responsibility but also a broader effort to strengthen public institutions and support evidence-based decision-making in Nigeria’s fiscal system.
