Group Seeks Speedy Passage Of RMAFC Bill Into Law

The Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET) has sought the accelerated passage of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Amendment Bill, which is awaiting passage at the National Assembly.

GONET in a communique signed by its chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf and secretary, Dr Benjamin Maina at the end of a one-day dialogue session with the theme, “Towards Nigeria’s Effective Fiscal Management: Issues, Prospects and Constraints”, observed that RMAFC is a critical body in Nigeria’s governance structure.

It also noted that RMAFC was responsible for monitoring revenue accruals, revenue allocation to the three tiers of government, and fixing remuneration for public officeholders adding however that the commission has been hampered by financial constraints, outdated legal frameworks, and insufficient regulatory powers, significantly reducing its effectiveness.

According to the communique, one of the major challenges faced by the commission is the absence of financial autonomy and weak regulatory framework, which directly hinders the effective and efficient performance of its operations. Over the years, annual budgetary allocations for the financing of its activities have been grossly inadequate to protect its independence and cater for its nationwide field operations.

“The sensitive nature of the commission’s role in Nigeria’s fiscal management requires a large measure of independence including financial autonomy.

“The proposed bill seeks to amend the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act, CAP. R7 LFN 2010 to grant the commission enforcement powers in the monitoring of accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the federation account and bring the act in conformity with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended); and for other matters related therewith,” the communique reads in part.

It stressed that the bill aimed to strengthen the commission by granting it financial autonomy and modernise its operational frameworks, adding that the existing RMAFC Act, CAP R7 LFN 2004 has become obsolete.