Maryam Aminu
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has formally sought the support of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to access funding from the Development of Natural Resources Fund (DNRF), aimed at accelerating infrastructure and economic development across key sectors in the FCT.
This request was presented on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, when a delegation from the FCT, led by Acting Chairman of the FCT-Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Mr. Michael Ango representing the Honourable Minister of the FCT, His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, met with the Commission’s Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee.
The team was received by Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Chairman of the Committee and Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu.
Addressing the delegation, Ambassador Akawor praised the developmental initiatives of the Honourable Minister, highlighting the FCTA’s strategic focus on utilizing its agricultural, solid minerals, and tourism resources to foster economic diversification key components of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He emphasized that the Development of Natural Resources Fund established by the Revenue Allocation (Federation Account, etc) Act CAP A15 LFN, 2004 receives monthly allocations from the Federation Account, held in trust for all tiers of government.
Ambassador Akawor explained that eligibility for accessing the fund requires a formal presentation to the Commission, followed by a physical assessment visit and recommendation report, which is ultimately submitted to the President for approval.
During the session, Mr. Ango outlined a range of proposed projects including the rehabilitation of major dams in the FCT for year-round agriculture, installation of solar-powered irrigation systems, establishment of mechanized farming centers, modernized crop storage technologies, improved veterinary services, and development of the FCT’s tourism and mineral resources sectors.
Committee members commended the FCT’s forward-thinking initiatives and engaged the delegation in detailed discussions on the feasibility and impact of the proposed projects.
Mr. Ango assured the Commission that, if approved, the funds would be transparently and effectively utilized.
The meeting follows a formal letter by the Honourable Minister of the FCT requesting access to the DNRF as part of efforts to boost infrastructure and economic sustainability in the region.
In a vote of thanks, Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako, the Federal Commissioner representing the FCT at RMAFC, lauded the FCT-IRS for its proactive approach to enhancing internally generated revenue.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and called on his colleagues to give the FCT’s request fair and favorable consideration.
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