Story from Beatrice GONDYI, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has appealed to the officials of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to consider increasing allocation to Bauchi state due to its current population increased and capacity.
The Governor made the request when the officials of the Commission paid him an advocacy visit at the Council Chamber, Government House, Bauchi.
Governor Bala Mohammed observed that good data and statistics are key towards ensuring the execution of meaningful development to the citizens.
He expressed confidence, that with their visit and having briefed on the current population capacity of the state, the commission will act promptly to ensure increment in the state’s revenue allocation.
“We are highly delighted to receive a high powered delegation from the Commission, I am 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 FCT.”
“Our population has increased, but our allocation is yet to be increased for us to provide the required social amenities to the citizens of the state, we must request for a constitutional amendment to ensure equity and justice in the revenue allocation.”
He noted with satisfaction, the foresight of President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the commission to embark on the initiative of collecting data that will assist various states to provide the required services to the citizenry.
Governor Bala Mohammed commended the commission for working towards enhancing the integrity of database which will be used for the allocation and disbursement of revenue.
“Our problem in this country is a lack of data, you cannot have any meaningful development without good data and statistics. I have seen this advocacy as the beginning of new Nigeria.
The Governor assured total commitment of the state government to work with the Commission to achieve the set objectives beneficial to both the state and the federal government.
Earlier, leader of the delegation said Chairman, Indices and Disbursement Committee of the Committee, Dr Chris Akomas said officials of the commission are in the state for an advocacy visit and sensitization campaign on new policies introduced by the commission that required the involvement of stakeholders.
He said the commission has deployed technology to enhance the integrity and credibility of database systems and to ensure transparency and accountability in revenue mobilization and allocation.
“Your Excellency, our visit to you today is part of our sensitisation campaign and advocacy to seek continued support with your administration on the advancement and strengthen IGR.”
“Your Excellency, in 2018, a similar exercise was conducted without achieving the desired results. We, therefore, look forward to your support to work together to ensure the success of this exercise.”
