Maryam Aminu
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the Federal Ministry of Interior on Thursday opened high-level talks in Abuja aimed at unlocking fresh investment opportunities, strengthening revenue generation and improving Nigeria’s business environment.
The strategic meeting, led by RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, focused on collaboration in investment facilitation, migration governance and national development.
Dr. Shehu said the visit was to seek stronger partnership with the ministry in attracting foreign investors into the country, disclosing that the commission was planning a major oil and gas summit to draw investments into the upstream and downstream sectors.
He noted that RMAFC, as one of the 14 constitutional commissions, is mandated to monitor revenue inflows into the Federation Account, ensure lawful disbursement of funds, review revenue allocation formulas and determine remuneration for political, executive and judicial office holders.
According to him, all legitimate revenue due to the Federation must be properly accounted for and distributed in line with the law.
The chairman also commended agencies under the Ministry of Interior for their support during inter-agency verification exercises and other official assignments, describing such cooperation as vital to accountability and effective governance.
He further praised the reforms being implemented by the ministry, particularly in immigration, civil defence and related agencies.
Responding, Tunji-Ojo welcomed the delegation and described inter-agency collaboration as essential to national progress.
“Collaboration is the soul of governance. No institution can succeed in isolation, and our doors remain open to every agency committed to national development,” the minister said.
He explained that the ministry had prioritised migration management and immigration documentation as tools for economic growth, investor confidence and ease of doing business.
According to him, key processes have been digitised, visa systems simplified, transparency improved and bottlenecks reduced to make Nigeria more attractive to investors.
The minister added that while citizenship matters are strictly guided by the Constitution, investor-friendly residency pathways and long-term lawful stay options could be explored within existing legal provisions to support economic growth.
Earlier, Chairman of RMAFC’s Investment Monitoring Committee and Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Hon. Enefe Ekene, said the committee was responsible for oversight of government investments and initiatives targeted at attracting foreign direct investment.
He stressed that a stable, transparent and investor-friendly environment was critical to attracting investors, noting that the Ministry of Interior remained central to efficient migration, residency and business entry systems capable of boosting confidence and national revenue.
Other members of the RMAFC delegation included Hon. Kolade Daniel Abimbola, Federal Commissioner representing Oyo State and Chairman, Inland Revenue Monitoring Committee, as well as Hon. Hauwa Umar Aliyu, Federal Commissioner representing Jigawa State and member of the Investment Committee.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, alongside senior officials of the ministry, also attended the meeting.
Both institutions ended the talks with a commitment to deepen cooperation and pursue innovative policies aimed at enhancing revenue generation, attracting investment and advancing national development priorities.
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