Taraba Eyes Bigger Allocation Through RMAFC Data Verification

Taraba State Government said it would leverage on the ongoing nationwide data verification exercise by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to strengthen its position in the sharing formula of federal revenue allocation to states.

The state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas made this known on Monday while playing host to delegation from the commission in Jalingo, the state capital.

Governor Kefas noted that, accurate and verifiable data would be key to ensuring that the state gets a fair deal under the reviewed revenue allocation formula.

He assured the delegation of full government support in the areas of security and logistics, to facilitate a seamless verification process across ministries, departments and local government areas.

The governor also urged the commission to intensify stakeholder sensitisation, stressing that better understanding of RMAFC’s operations would enable states and councils to meet required standards and expectations.

The Federal Commissioner representing Kano State, Hon. Adamu Fanda, who led the team on the visit, said they are in Taraba State as part of a nationwide audit of figures earlier submitted by sub-national governments data that directly influences how resources from the Federation Account are shared.

Hon. Fanda said the exercise was necessitated by changing socio-economic conditions, including rising population, expanding infrastructure and increasing development disparities across the country.

He explained that the ongoing review of the revenue allocation formula had reached a critical stage, making it imperative to validate all data to ensure credibility and equity in the distribution process.

According to him, the delegation would engage relevant government institutions and local authorities in the state to ensure that all submissions reflect current realities.

He added that the outcome of the exercise would play a decisive role in determining future revenue flows to states and local governments, and urged the state government and it stakeholders to provide the needed cooperation for a successful exercise.