Taraba Seeks Equitable Allocation As Revenue Commission Verifies State Data

Taraba State government plans to leverage the ongoing nationwide data verification exercise by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to strengthen its position in the federal revenue allocation formula to states.

The state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, dropped the hint on Monday during a meeting with a delegation from the commission in Jalingo, the state capital.

Governor Kefas said that accurate, 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 his administration’s support in security and logistics to facilitate a seamless verification process across ministries, departments, and local government areas.

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

The federal commissioner representing Kano State, Hon. Adamu Fanda, who led the team on the visit, said they were in Taraba as part of a nationwide audit of figures submitted by sub-national governments that directly influence 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.