RMAFC chief hails Otti, declares Abia best-governed state

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, welcoming the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr Muhammed Shehu, to the Government House. Photo: State House

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr Muhammed Shehu, has commended Governor Alex Otti for the prudent management of Abia State’s resources.

Shehu gave the commendation on Tuesday when he and members of the commission paid a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at the governor’s Nvosi office in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

He said Otti’s achievements were evidence of his prudent management of the state’s resources, particularly his massive investments in road infrastructure and education, among others, which he said had significantly impacted the state.

Shehu said, “I am so glad that today I am able to make it, to see you here and to see all the developmental strides that you have taken and are still undertaking since you assumed office as the Executive Governor of this state.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to say that this state is blessed to have you as Governor. Every independent analyst will testify that this is the best, if not the best-governed state in Nigeria, and you are certainly the best among all those who have governed the state.”

The RMAFC chairman also acknowledged Otti’s efforts in primary healthcare, fiscal transparency and security, noting that the state’s improved fiscal performance and peaceful environment were indications of responsible governance.

He cited the state’s movement from 17th to fourth position in fiscal transparency, as well as the reduction in its debt profile, as significant achievements.

Shehu appreciated Governor Otti for supporting RMAFC in its efforts to strengthen its operations and fulfil its constitutional mandate, particularly through the provision of land for the construction of the commission’s office in the state.

The chairman disclosed that the commission was undergoing reforms aimed at strengthening revenue monitoring, enhancing digitalisation and improving real-time access to revenue information from revenue-generating agencies.

He added that the commission was also working on a new revenue allocation formula, noting that the existing formula had been in operation for several decades and needed to reflect the changing responsibilities of the three tiers of government.

According to him, the review had become necessary because states now had greater responsibilities, including expanded roles in areas such as transportation infrastructure and other sectors previously dominated by the Federal Government.

He said steps were being taken to ensure that funds meant for development were recovered and appropriately distributed and utilised.

Shehu also expressed appreciation to Otti for granting the commission land for its permanent office in Abia, assuring that the building, when completed, would conform to the commission’s standard across the country.

Responding, Governor Otti said the state was pleased with the commission’s proposed reforms, expressing optimism that they would empower states to do more for their people.

He said, “We are very happy that you are doing what you are doing there. And we know that with the changes that you are proposing, and with the President supporting us, we know we can, as stated, be more empowered.

“If states are more empowered, they will do a lot more good for these states.”

Otti reassured RMAFC of his continued support to enable it to succeed and expressed hope that the proposed new revenue allocation formula would be implemented soon to allow states to do more for their people.