By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Muhammed Shehu, has commended Governor Alex Otti for his prudent management of Abia State’s resources and visible developmental strides.
Shehu made the commendation on Tuesday during a courtesy visit alongside members of the commission to Governor Otti at his Nvosi office in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the visit, the RMAFC boss expressed delight over the state’s progress, pointing to massive investments in road infrastructure, education, primary healthcare, fiscal transparency, and security.
Shehu said, “I am so glad that today I am able to make it, to see you here and to see all the developmental strides that you have taken and are still undertaking since you assumed office as the Executive Governor of this state.”
“I wouldn’t hesitate to say that this state is blessed to have you as Governor. Every independent analyst will testify that this is the best, if not the best-governed state in Nigeria, and you are certainly the best among all those who have governed the state,” he stated.
The RMAFC chairman highlighted the state’s leap from 17th to 4th position in national fiscal transparency rankings, alongside a significant reduction in its debt profile, as clear evidence of responsible governance.
He also appreciated Governor Otti for supporting the commission’s operational mandate in Abia State, particularly through the donation of land for the construction of its state office. He assured that the building, when completed, would conform to the commission’s standard nationwide.
Disclosing ongoing institutional reforms, Shehu noted that RMAFC is actively working to strengthen revenue monitoring, enhance digitalisation, and provide real-time access to revenue-generating agencies.
He revealed that the commission is revising the nation’s existing revenue allocation formula to reflect modern realities, explaining that the decades-old formula needed updates to account for states taking on expanded responsibilities, such as major transportation infrastructure previously dominated by the Federal Government.
He added that concrete steps were being taken to ensure that funds meant for national development are properly recovered, distributed, and utilised.
Responding to the delegation, Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with RMAFC’s ongoing reforms and Optimism that the proposed revenue allocation formula would empower states to deliver more democratic dividends to citizens.
He said, “We are very happy that you are doing what you are doing there. And we know that with the changes that you are proposing, and with the President supporting us, we know we can, as stated, be more empowered.
“If states are more empowered, they will do a lot more good for these states,” Otti added.
The governor concluded by reassuring the RMAFC leadership of his administration’s continued support and cooperation to ensure the commission succeeds in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
