The Borno State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) in the successful implementation of its nationwide data verification exercise aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s revenue allocation system.
Deputy Governor His Excellency Umar Usman Kadafur, representing Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, FNSE, made this known while receiving an RMFAC delegation during a courtesy visit at the Council Chamber of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Government House, Maiduguri.
The delegation was led by the Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State, Prof. Olusegun Adekunle, and comprised the Federal Commissioner representing Borno State, Hajiya Hadiza Mustapha, and the Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi State, Dr. Henry Nduka.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Zulum, the Deputy Governor described the nationwide data verification exercise as a strategic national assignment that would provide reliable data for planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation of government programmes and projects, as well as ensuring equity and transparency in the allocation of national revenue.
He assured the Commission of the full cooperation of the Borno State Government, disclosing that all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), together with the 27 Local Government Councils, had been directed to provide the Commission with all necessary information, access to records and logistical support required for the successful conduct of the exercise.
The Deputy Governor commended the Chairman of RMFAC, Dr. Muhammad Bello Shehu, OFR, and the Commission’s management for their dedication to promoting fiscal discipline, transparency, accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s revenue allocation system. He urged the verification team to carry out its assignment with the highest level of professionalism, objectivity and integrity.
He further welcomed the delegation to Borno State, expressing optimism that the outcome of the exercise would contribute significantly to strengthening fiscal governance and national development.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Olusegun Adekunle, explained that the nationwide verification exercise formed part of RMFAC’s constitutional responsibility to periodically review and validate the data used in determining revenue allocation among the three tiers of government.
He noted that the exercise was designed to ensure that the demographic, social and economic realities of every state and local government area were accurately captured to support a more equitable revenue-sharing formula.
Prof. Adekunle acknowledged the enormous challenges Borno State has endured as a result of years of insurgency, including the destruction of infrastructure, displacement of communities, disruption of livelihoods and increased pressure on public resources. He stressed that these realities underscored the importance of obtaining accurate and verifiable data to adequately reflect the state’s current circumstances.
He appealed to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as the 27 Local Government Councils to provide credible and verifiable information, emphasizing that every submission would be carefully scrutinized and supported by documentary evidence to preserve the integrity of the exercise.
The delegation expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Borno State for the warm reception, hospitality and cooperation extended to the Commission. It also conveyed gratitude to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for allocating land for the construction of a permanent RMFAC State Office in Borno.
The nationwide data verification exercise is expected to enhance transparency, accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s revenue allocation process while providing a reliable database for informed policy formulation, national planning and sustainable development.