RMAFC Chairman Commends Outgoing Federal Commissioners, Calls for Financial Autonomy

Maryam Aminu

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Honourable Muhammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has lauded the outgoing Federal Commissioners for their dedication and patriotism in enhancing the Commission’s operations.

Speaking at a valedictory plenary held in their honor, Honourable Shehu emphasized the significant contributions of the twenty departing members, whose terms end today.

“It has been our wish to reposition this Commission to become a world-class Revenue Mobilisation Commission. We are still working towards this goal, we have tried, we are trying, and we will continue to try,” Shehu remarked, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to elevate the Commission’s standards.

The Chairman highlighted the extraordinary support provided by the Commissioners, particularly in committee roles, despite the organization’s financial constraints.

He expressed hope for their reappointment, recognizing their sacrifices and praying for their continued contribution to the Commission’s progress.

During the ceremony, various Commissioners praised Shehu’s leadership, citing accomplishments such as the review of ambassadors’ and political office holders’ salaries, work on revising the Federal Allocation Formula, and improvements in staff training and office conditions.

However, the outgoing members voiced concerns about the Commission’s underfunding, calling for financial autonomy to enhance its efficacy.

Honourable Samuel Adaa Magbe of Benue State noted the disparity in funding compared to other agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Central Bank.

He urged the President to address this issue to boost staff morale and operational capacity.

Honourable Adebayo Fari of Ogun State emphasized the need for better funding and human capital development.
“One of the major challenges is the funding of the organization. We also need to recruit more personnel in accounting, statistics, economics, and tax administration to build substantial capacity,” he said.

Honourable Modu Ali Juluri of Yobe State advocated for recognizing RMAFC as a Federation agency, given its role in engaging all levels of government.

He stressed the importance of digitalizing the Commission and ensuring adequate funding.

The Secretary to the Commission, Nwaze Joseph Okechukwu, expressed gratitude for the Chairman’s achievements and the Commissioners’ valuable service.

He wished them success in their future endeavors.

The outgoing members, appointed on June 26, 2019, include Dr. Chris Alonzie Akomas (Abia State), Anyang Sunday Okon (Akwa Ibom State), Chima Philip Okafor (Anambra State), Maagbe Samuel Adaa (Benue State), Ntufam Eyo-NSA Whiley (Cross River State), Mr. Andrew Ogheneovo Agbaga (Delta State), Barr. Patrick Nworu Mgbebu (Ebonyi State), Mr. Victor Eboigbe (Edo State), Amujo Phillip Ajayi (Ekiti State), and Mohammed Kabeer Usman (Gombe State).

Also departing are Kabir Muhammad Mashi (Katsina State), Barr. Umaru Faruk Abdullahi (Kano State), Prof. Olusegun Adekunle Wright (Lagos State), Aliyu Almakura Abdulkadir (Nasarawa State), Ibrahim Bako Bagudu Shettima (Niger State), Adebayo Adeniyi Fari (Ogun State), Mr. Olatokumbo Ajasin (Ondo State), Alexander Shaiyen (Plateau State), Modu-Aji Juluri (Yobe State), and Abubakar Sadiq Abdulkarim Gusau (Zamfara State).

The tenure of these members officially ends at midnight on June 26, 2024.