•Approves flood mitigation, financial support for states
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The 146th National Executive Council (NEC) presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has approved a significant increase in funding for the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC), setting the allocation at 0.05 percent of non-oil federation revenue.
This decision was disclosed by Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, during a briefing with State House Correspondents yesterday.
The governor highlighted that one of the primary topics of discussion was a report concerning RMAFC, which was presented to the NEC. He said the report called for a revision or repeal of the existing Act of Parliament that established the commission, proposing instead a new legislative framework to enhance its operational capabilities.
“The report emphasized the onerous responsibilities of RAMFAC and its essential role in the functioning of our Federation. It also pointed out the inadequate funding that hampers the commission’s ability to perform its critical tasks,” Soludo stated.
Following deliberations, the NEC approved two key recommendations. First, RMAFC is to forward a draft bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law. Second, the council approved an increase in funding for RAMFAC, setting it at 0.05 percent of non-oil Federation revenue. This decision comes despite RMAFC’s initial request for 0.75 percent.
“This allocation is subject to further scrutiny by the National Assembly,” Soludo noted, emphasising the importance of adequate funding for RMAFC to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“Among the issues discussed at today’s NEC was also the presentation of a report in respect of an earlier presentation by the chairman of the revenue mobilization and fiscal allocation commission to NEC on the 21st of November and seeking essentially revised or repeal the existing Act of Parliament establishing the commission and to replace it with a new one, and then also seeking for revision, I mean a review about alternative funding to the institution.
“So the report elaborately noted the very onerous responsibilities of RAMFAC and as a very, very beautiful institution in the functioning of Federation, and noted the inadequate funding for this institution to be able to perform its tasks. And then also noted the draft repeal and replace legislation that was also pending.
“And after deliberating this, the council noted this and approved as follows. First is that RMAFC Should forward the draft bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law. And second, the council also approved the recommendation for improved funding for RMAFC and approved that the commission be funded with 0.05% non oil Federation revenue based on the proposed tax reforms and subjected to further scrutiny by the National Assembly.
“I know the Commission had requested for 0.75 but in the wisdom of NEC, it was 0.05 percent of course, subject to review by the National Assembly.”
NEC has has also approved flood mitigation and financial support for states
Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, who briefed State House Correspondents, provided a comprehensive briefing on the ad hoc committee focused on flood, erosion, drought, and desertification, chaired by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo.
Eyakenyi reported that the committee has successfully implemented several recommendations, particularly regarding financial assistance to states grappling with flood issues.
She said council resolved to conclude the committee’s activities, transferring responsibilities to a task force dedicated to ongoing flood and erosion mitigation efforts.
He added that NEC approved the disbursement of remaining funds allocated for flood mitigation initiatives, emphasizing the need for continued support for affected states.
“Another important update that was discussed, deliberated on the ad hoc committee on flood, erosion, drought and desertification, which is the committee chaired by the Kogi State Governor and Governor, the chairman of NEC and Adhoc Committee Chairman governor of kogi state, gave an update report on the committee’s activities and noted the implementation of some of the recommendations made by the committee, especially the provision of financial support to states and disbursements of funds to the line ministries and the agencies of government, to address flood issues in the various states.
“The chairman of the committee prayed that the council should approve the winding down all the committee’s activities because the final report was submitted, and also to transfer the duties to the task force on flood, erosion, drought and mitigation agencies.
“The resolution of the Council after deliberation, was that council noted all the players of the committee and also commended The Chairman and members for discharging their tax dutifully and approved the recommendations for the disbursement of the balance of the funds approved for MDAs for the flood mitigation and other related activities.”