Group seeks rapid passage of RMAFC bill into law

The Gombe Civil Society Network (GONET) sought the accelerated approval of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission Amendment Law (RMAFC), which is awaiting approval in the National Assembly.

GONET, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf, and Secretary, Dr. Benjamin Maina, at the end of a one-day dialogue session themed “Towards Effective Nigerian Fiscal Management: Issues, Prospects and Constraints ”, noted that RMAFC is a critical body in Nigeria’s governance structure.

He also noted that the RMAFC was responsible for monitoring revenue accumulation, allocating revenue to the three levels of government and setting the remuneration of public office holders, adding, however, that the commission has been hampered by financial constraints, outdated legal frameworks and insufficient regulatory powers, significantly reducing their effectiveness.

According to the statement, one of the main challenges faced by the commission is the lack of financial autonomy and a weak regulatory framework, which directly harms the effective and efficient performance of its operations. Over the years, the annual budgetary allocations to finance its activities have been manifestly inadequate to protect its independence and cater to its field operations at national level.

“The sensitive nature of the commission’s role in Nigeria’s fiscal management requires a large measure of independence, including financial autonomy.

“The proposed bill seeks to amend the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Law, CAP. R7 LFN 2010 to grant the commission enforcement powers in monitoring revenue accruals and disbursements from the federation account and bring the law into conformity with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); and for other matters related to the same”, says part of the statement.

He highlighted that the bill aimed to strengthen the commission by granting it financial autonomy and modernizing its operational frameworks, adding that the existing RMAFC Law, CAP R7 LFN 2004, had become obsolete.