The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC , has assured all stakeholders that the Commission will intensify its monitoring efforts to ensure that all revenue accruals due to the Federation Account are remitted accurately and promptly by revenue generating agencies.
This was one of the resolutions of the Commission at the end of a Three-Day Retreat organised for Commissioners and management staff of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the retreat, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Dr Muhammed Shehu, also called for statutory review of the revenue allocation formula every five years.
Dr Shehu, who was represented by the Chairman, Public Affairs and Communications Committee of the Commission and Member Representing Kwara State in the Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Agaka, said the review of the revenue allocation formula was necessary to reflect changing realities as the current sharing formula has been in existence for about sixteen years.
“In line with the Constitutional provision, the Commission should review the revenue allocation formula statutorily every 5 years. Section 162 (2) of the Constitution should be amended to specify the time frame that the President will present the proposal of the RMAFC on the review of the Revenue Allocation Formula to the National Assembly upon receipt from the Commission”.
The Chairman of the Commission also called for the amendment of the Constitution to allow for the inclusion of Local Government Chairmen and Councilors among the beneficiaries of the remuneration package listed in the Constitution.
Dr Shehu said there were legal constraints to the enforcement of the Supreme Court ruling that all revenue allocations due local governments be directly paid to them as the constitution stipulates the establishment of State Joint Local Government Accounts.
“ Section 162(6) of the constitution which stipulated the establishment of State Joint Local Government Account should be amended to ensure that allocations of the local governments are paid directly to them”
He called for the creation of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation distinct from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federal Government.
