Mariam Abeeb
The Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu OFR has pledged the readiness of RMAFC to ensure that Kogi State receives its due share of the 13% derivation fund as and when due.
The Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, RMAFC Maryam Yusuf in a statement noted that the Chairman stated this when he hosted His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State who led a high-level delegation of officials from the state to an interrractive session with the Commission at its headquarters on how best the state can start benefitting from the 13% derivation fund since it is now recognised as an oil producing state in the country.
Dr. Shehu, who emphasized the commitment of RMAFC to transparent and equitable distribution of revenues to the beneficiaries as stipulated by law, assured the Governor of RMAFC’s unwavering commitment to a fair and just fiscal federalism while pledging that the state would get whatever is due to it.
He therefore assured the delegation of the full support of the Commission to the State.
He said, “Whatever issue you table before us, we will try as much as possible, within the provisions of the law to see that Kogi State gets what it deserves. Our role is to ensure that the state receives its rightful share of resources, whether from oil, gas, or solid minerals, and that every allocation is properly documented and protected.”
He further said, “ We will stand firmly with you to provide the data, guidance, and technical support needed to optimize these resources for the benefit of your citizens.”
The Chairman thereafter directed the constitution of a committee comprising officials from Gas Investments and Crude Oil Departments of RMAFC, NIgeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission ( NUPRC) and Kogi State government to look into the issues raised with the view to finding appropriate solutions to them.
In his speech, Governor Ododo lamented that Kogi state is not enjoying the benefits of the numerous mineral resources it is blessed with.
He wondered why the state was yet to benefit from the 13% derivation fund since its recognition as an oil producing state .
The governor therefore sought information on the status of oil and gas activities in the state.
He expressed confidence that the Commission would appropriately handle their requests. He said “I thank you most sincerely for this warm reception and for your vision. We look forward to continued engagement with the Commission to ensure that the resources of Kogi State are fully optimized and benefit our people.”
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of RMAFC and Kogi State to strengthen fiscal governance, promote transparency in the management of derivation funds, and ensure that Nigeria’s oil, gas, and solid mineral resources contribute fully to the development of the state and welfare of its citizens.
