News Investigators/ The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), on Friday in Bauchi, advised state governments on the need to step up instruments for credible database in their various states.
The Chairman Indices and Disbursement Committee of the commission, Chris Akomas gave this advice when he led the delegation from RMAFC on an advocacy visit to Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
Mr. Akomas said that efficient database was imperative for planning an overall development of any nation, noting that states must play key roles in achieving such project.
He said that the commission was on a sensitisation campaign on some policies recently introduced by RMAFC that required effective involvement of stakeholders.
Mr. Akomas said the commission had deployed technology to enhance the integrity and credibility of database systems and to ensure transparency and accountability in revenue mobilisation and allocation.
“Our visit is part of our sensitisation and advocacy to seek for continued support from your administration on the advancement and strengthening of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of government”
“In 2018, a similar exercise was conducted without achieving the desired result, we therefore, look forward to your support to ensure the success of this exercise,” he said.
Responding, the governor implored RMAFC to consider increasing allocation to the state because of its increasing population.
The governor corroborated the view of the delegation on the importance of effective data for meaningful development and assured that the state would play its roles in achieving the motive of the commission.
“We are highly delighted to receive a delegation from the commission; I am equally happy that in my previous discussions with the commission, it has done so much in bringing equity and justice to all the federal entities including the Federal Capital Territory.
“Our population has increased, but our allocation is yet to be increased and this is important for us to continue to provide the required social amenities to the citizens of the state,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed said there is the need for constitutional amendment to ensure equity and justice in the revenue allocation.
He expressed satisfaction with President Muhammadu Buhari for directing the commission to embark on the initiative of collating data that would assist the various states to provide the required services to the citizenry.
“Our problem in this country is lack of data; you cannot have any meaningful development without good data and statistics. I see this advocacy as the beginning of a new Nigeria,” Mr. Mohammed said.
