RMAFC Begins Nationwide Data Verification to Reform Revenue Sharing Formula
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a nationwide data verification exercise aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework and ensuring equitable distribution of national resources.
The exercise, which is being conducted across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, is designed to review the key factors and indices used in sharing revenue among states and local government areas, with a focus on aligning allocations with current socio-economic realities.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, described the initiative as a critical step toward reinforcing fiscal federalism and improving national development planning. He emphasised that accurate and credible data remains fundamental to achieving fairness and transparency in revenue distribution.
According to him, the verification exercise will provide an updated and reliable data base to support ongoing efforts to review the national revenue allocation formula, which he said has reached an advanced stage.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework reflects the realities on the ground. Accurate data is the backbone of fairness, equity, and national cohesion,” he stated.
Read Also:
The nationwide exercise will involve the systematic collection, validation, and reconciliation of socio-economic and infrastructural data used in determining revenue allocation indices for horizontal revenue sharing. Key indicators under review include population dynamics, education and healthcare provision, internal revenue generation capacity, infrastructure development, and landmass.
Dr. Shehu noted that Nigeria has experienced significant socio-economic changes in recent years, including population growth, urbanisation, and widening development disparities, making periodic data validation essential for a responsive and equitable fiscal system.
As part of the rollout, RMAFC teams will engage with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as state and local government authorities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders to ensure broad-based participation and data accuracy.
Stakeholder engagement sessions are also planned across the federation to enhance transparency, build public trust, and encourage collaborative input into the process.
The Commission stressed that the exercise is both a statutory obligation and a strategic national initiative aimed at strengthening institutional credibility and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
Officials further noted that the outcome of the exercise is expected to have far-reaching implications for fiscal management, national planning, and balanced regional development across Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
