RMAFC Calls for Stakeholder Support to Achieve Financial Autonomy

Abuja, Nigeria –Members of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) have made a strong appeal to stakeholders, urging them to support the organization’s bid for financial autonomy. This call to action aims to address the current issue of inadequate funding that hinders the commission from effectively carrying out its mandate.

During a valedictory session for outgoing commissioners, RMAFC representatives highlighted the critical need for better financial support. The session saw significant contributions from various members who emphasized the impact of poor funding on the commission's operations and staff morale.

Maryam Yusuf, Head of Information and Public Relations, released a statement in Abuja quoting Hon. Samuel Magbe, the member representing Benue State. “The Commission is not well funded,” Hon. Magbe lamented, stressing the urgent need for financial autonomy to ensure the commission can perform its duties effectively.

Hon. Magbe pointed out the disparity in resources between the RMAFC and other federal agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Central Bank. “There is a lot of low morale among the staff of the Commission, because when you go out to monitor the activities of FIRS, the Central Bank, and so on, you see that there is a wide disparity between us and them. But I hope that the President will do something about that for this commission to move forward,” he added.

The call for financial autonomy, which is currently under consideration by the Senate, has garnered support from various quarters. The proposed autonomy is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring the RMAFC receives adequate funding, thereby enhancing its capacity to fulfill its responsibilities.

Hon. Adebayo Fari, an outgoing member representing Ogun State, echoed these sentiments. “One of the major things that has been a challenge here is the funding of the organisation,” Hon. Fari stated, underscoring the long-standing issue that has impeded the commission's effectiveness.

The RMAFC is responsible for the distribution of revenue accruing to the federal, state, and local governments in Nigeria. Adequate funding is essential for the commission to execute its mandate efficiently and ensure equitable distribution of resources across the country.

The push for financial autonomy is not just about improving the operational capabilities of the RMAFC but also about boosting the morale of its staff, who have had to work under challenging conditions due to limited resources. The commission’s leadership believes that with proper funding, they can significantly improve their oversight and regulatory functions.

In light of these challenges, the RMAFC members are calling on federal legislators and other stakeholders to support the bill for financial autonomy. Such support would be a significant step towards strengthening the commission and enabling it to better serve the Nigerian people.

As the Senate deliberates on the bill, the RMAFC continues to advocate for the necessary changes that would grant them the financial independence required to meet their objectives. Stakeholders and the public are urged to rally behind this cause, recognizing the importance of a well-funded and autonomous RMAFC in the fair allocation of national revenue.