RMAFC, FCT Meet Over Natural Resources Fund Request

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) last Wednesday received a delegation from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a formal presentation to its fiscal efficiency and budget committee – a key requirement for accessing the Natural Resources Development Fund (NRDF).

The FCT team, led by the acting chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Michael Ango, represented the minister of the FCT, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. They were received at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja by Ambassador Desmond Akawor, federal commissioner representing Rivers State and chairman of the fiscal efficiency and budget committee, who stood in for RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu.

Ambassador Akawor commended Wike for his proactive efforts in harnessing the FCT’s natural resources to drive socio-economic development. He praised the administration’s focus on agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism as vital components of economic diversification in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The 1.68 per cent development of the natural resources fund, established under the Revenue Allocation (Federation Account, etc.) Act CAP A15 LFN 2004, receives monthly allocations from the Federation Account. The funds are held in trust for the three tiers of government and are designated for projects aimed at economic diversification.

“The Commission remains committed to transparency and equity,” Akawor assured the FCT delegation. “We will ensure that our recommendations reflect both the merits of the proposal and the broader objectives of the Fund.”

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During the presentation, Michael Ango highlighted several development projects for which the FCT seeks support from the NRDF. These include:

Construction, rehabilitation, and desilting of key dams such as Lower Usuma, Pedan, Jabi Lake, and Kilankwa to support year-round crop production; installation of solar-powered irrigation systems to promote dry-season farming and reduce reliance on fossil fuels; establishment of six mechanization service centers and procurement of modern agricultural equipment for smallholder farmers.

Members of the Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee commended the achievements of Minister Wike, noting his administration’s ambitious development agenda. They posed questions to clarify the FCT’s implementation strategy, expected project outcomes, and accountability mechanisms.

In response, Ango assured the Commission that any funds approved would be judiciously used, with a clear focus on achieving measurable impact and value for money.

The visit follows an official letter from the Honourable Minister of the FCT requesting access to the NRDF. It marks a critical step in the due process established by the Commission for disbursing special funds.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako, the Federal Commissioner representing the FCT at RMAFC, praised the FCT-IRS for its strategic vision in enhancing internally generated revenue and driving sustainable development. He called on fellow Commissioners to support a favorable recommendation in light of the significant strides made by the Wike-led FCT administration.

Ambassador Ngbako reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and due diligence in the allocation of special funds, emphasising that initiatives such as these are vital to advancing Nigeria’s economic growth.