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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has promised to ensure that Kogi State receives its due share of the 13 per cent derivation fund as and when due.
The chairman gave the assurance when he hosted the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his team in Abuja.
Shehu, who emphasised the commitment of RMAFC to transparent and equitable distribution of revenues to beneficiaries as stipulated by law, assured the governor of RMAFC’s unwavering commitment to a fair and just fiscal federalism, while pledging that the state would get whatever is due to it. He, therefore, assured the delegation of the full support of the commission to the state.
“Whatever issue you table before us, we will try as much as possible, within the provisions of the law, to see that Kogi State gets what it deserves. Our role is to ensure that the state receives its rightful share of resources, whether from oil, gas, or solid minerals, and that every allocation is properly documented and protected.
“We will stand firmly with you to provide the data, guidance, and technical support needed to optimise these resources for the benefit of your citizens,” he said.
The chairman thereafter directed the constitution of a committee comprising officials from the Gas Investments and Crude Oil Departments of RMAFC, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Kogi State Government to look into the issues raised with a view to finding appropriate solutions to them.
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Earlier, Ododo lamented that Kogi State is not enjoying the benefits of the numerous mineral resources it is blessed with. He wondered why the state was yet to benefit from the 13 per cent derivation fund since its recognition as an oil-producing state. The governor, therefore, sought information on the status of oil and gas activities in the state.
In a statement, he expressed confidence that the commission would appropriately handle their requests.
“I thank you most sincerely for this warm reception and for your vision. We look forward to continued engagement with the commission to ensure that the resources of Kogi State are fully optimised and benefit our people,” he said.
In her contribution, the Federal Commissioner, Kebbi State, Rakiya Tanko Ayuba-Haruna, remarked that the 13 per cent derivation under public funds in the 1999 Constitution is something the commission takes very seriously, adding that proper data is essential to ensure that states receive what is rightfully theirs. Meanwhile, the Federal Commissioner, Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, advised the state government to study the post-PIA frameworks so as to be guided in any contractual obligation, to know what belongs to the state and avoid challenges in the future.
On the management of solid minerals, the Director, Inland Revenue Department, who represented the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Udodirim Okongwu, assured the governor that the commission is empowered to get every data that is required.
She advised the governor to establish buying centres in the state so as to get attribution for every solid mineral transaction in the state.
