RMAFC Begins Nationwide Data Verification to Reform Revenue Sharing Framework
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s revenue allocation system is set for a major review as the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has launched a nationwide data verification exercise aimed at strengthening the country’s fiscal framework.
The initiative, announced in a press release issued on April 23, 2026, is designed to reassess the key factors and indices used in distributing revenue among states and local government areas. The Commission said the move is intended to ensure that allocations reflect Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities.
Chairman of the Commission, Mohammed Bello Shehu, described the exercise as a landmark effort that will deepen fiscal federalism and improve national development planning.
He emphasised that credible and verified data is essential for fairness and sustainability in revenue allocation.
“Accurate data is the backbone of fairness, equity, and national cohesion.
This nationwide exercise represents our determination to build a more transparent and responsive revenue distribution system that serves the interests of all Nigerians,” he said.
The Commission called on state governments, local authorities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders to cooperate fully with verification teams deployed across the federation.
According to RMAFC, the exercise will involve systematic collection, validation, and reconciliation of socio-economic and infrastructural data that form the basis of horizontal revenue sharing. Key focus areas include education and healthcare provision, internally generated revenue capacity, infrastructure development, population dynamics, and landmass.
The Commission noted that Nigeria has experienced significant changes over time, including rapid population growth, urbanisation, and uneven regional development, making it necessary to update existing datasets.
Shehu disclosed that the ongoing review of the national revenue allocation formula is already at an advanced stage, with the verification exercise serving as a critical step to ensure the integrity and reliability of the indices that will guide future allocations.
He added that extensive engagements will be carried out with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as local governments and community stakeholders, to guarantee that all data reflects present-day realities.
The Commission also plans to hold stakeholder engagement sessions across all states and the Federal Capital Territory to promote transparency and build trust in the process.
RMAFC stressed that beyond its statutory mandate, the nationwide verification exercise represents a strategic effort to strengthen institutional credibility and support evidence-based policymaking for balanced regional development.
