By Princess Funsho Sumanu
Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the state secures its rightful share of revenue from the Federation Account as the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) commenced its nationwide verification of revenue allocation indices in the state.
Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, at the opening of the exercise in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, described the exercise as a critical national assignment with far-reaching implications for the equitable distribution of resources across the federation.
The Commissioner explained that the revenue allocation formula is anchored on verified indices, including public primary and secondary school enrolment, healthcare facilities and internally generated revenue, making it imperative for every state to present accurate, complete and verifiable data.
He commended Governor Ododo for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring Kogi State is fully prepared for the exercise, noting that the administration’s emphasis on data-driven governance, fiscal discipline and strategic planning continues to position the state for improved revenue prospects and sustainable development.
According to him, the verification exercise provides Kogi State with another opportunity to showcase its developmental strides and secure its rightful share of resources from the Federation Account.
He therefore urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as the 21 Local Government Councils, to cooperate fully with the verification team.
“Accurate data is not just a statistical requirement; it is a strategic asset for better planning, fair revenue allocation and a more prosperous future for our dear Kogi State,” he said.
Earlier, the Team Lead of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mr. Akeem Amosun, appreciated Governor Ododo and the Kogi State Government for the warm reception and logistical support extended to the Commission.
He explained that the nationwide exercise, which is the Commission’s statutory responsibility, is aimed at reviewing revenue allocation indices that form the basis for the horizontal sharing of Federation Account revenue among states and local government councils.
According to him, the Commission is collecting and verifying data covering the 2022 to 2025 period on school enrolment, healthcare facilities and internally generated revenue at both the state and local government levels.
Amosun noted that following the submission of data by the state, RMAFC would carry out physical verification through sample inspections of selected schools and health facilities before adopting the verified figures as part of the indices for revenue allocation.
He described the exercise as one that should be taken seriously by all stakeholders, warning that inaccurate or incomplete data could adversely affect future revenue accruing to states and local governments. He expressed satisfaction with Kogi State’s level of preparedness, describing the state as organised and committed to the success of the exercise.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Sule Salihu, described the verification exercise as a significant assignment with direct implications for the revenue available to both the state and local governments.
He urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as Local Government Councils to maintain credible records and provide all necessary information required for the verification, expressing confidence that Kogi State was fully prepared for the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the 21 Local Government Chairmen, the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, assured the RMAFC team of the full cooperation of all local government councils throughout the verification exercise.
He said the council chairmen appreciate the importance of accurate data and internally generated revenue records in determining revenue allocation and pledged to provide all necessary information to support the successful completion of the exercise.
He also welcomed the team to Kogi State and wished them a fruitful stay.
Also speaking, the Chairman of KONGONET, Mr. Hamza Aliyu, who represented Civil Society Organisations, commended the inclusion of civil society in the exercise, describing it as a demonstration of transparency and inclusive governance.
He observed that the review of the revenue allocation formula has become increasingly important as states continue to shoulder greater developmental and security responsibilities.
He noted that Kogi State’s strategic location and unique security challenges underscore the need for equitable revenue allocation to enable the state to effectively meet its growing obligations.
Aliyu further applauded the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning for consistently providing civil society organisations with opportunities to participate in key policy discussions, assuring that the outcomes of the exercise would be communicated to communities across the state to deepen public understanding and participation.
The verification exercise is expected to strengthen the credibility of the revenue allocation process and ensure that Kogi State receives its fair share of resources from the Federation Account based on verified development indices. For the Ododo administration, it also reinforces its commitment to data-driven governance, transparency and prudent fiscal management as critical pillars for sustainable development.
