**Calls For Greater Emphasis On Revenue Generation
Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) of his administration’s full support for its nationwide data verification exercise aimed at reviewing and updating the data used in revenue allocation between the Federal Government, States, and Local government areas across Nigeria.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in his office while receiving a delegation from the Commission who came for the verification excercise.
The Governor disclosed that relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) had already been directed to provide all necessary information and support required for the successful conduct of the exercise.
“We are happy that you are here on this National data verification exercise, and you can be assured that our team will provide you with all the support and information you require.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Finance and his team have been designated to pay attention to anything that you require. Information available to me is that we have been working well together, and I am sure that we will make your assignment seamless and easy,” Governor Otti assured.
The State Chief Executive emphasized that while equitable revenue allocation remains important, greater attention should be given to strengthening internal revenue generation and building economically sustainable States.
Gov. Otti noted that excessive dependence on oil revenue poses long-term risks, especially, as global economies continue to transition away from fossil fuels. In his words, “I have always held the view that resource distribution and allocation is important, resource generation is even more important. We will continue to enjoy the part while it lasts.
“What I am saying is that, this is okay for now. But, a more fundamental issue is how do we make States independent and have them generate enough revenue just in case they have no money to share. It may not be today, but it will happen someday,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor also highlighted the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Abia State, encouraging members of the delegation to explore the State’s commercial and industrial hubs in order to gain firsthand insight into its vast economic potential.
Earlier, the Team Lead and the Federal Commissioner representing Ekiti State at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Hon. Omowumi Ogunlola, who delivered the Chairman’s address, said that the team was in Abia State for the formal commencement of the Nationwide data verification exercise being conducted across the Federation.
She appealed to the State Government to provide access to relevant data and records, designate competent liaison officers to work with the Commission’s team, facilitate access to local government areas, and ensure a conducive environment for the exercise.
“Your Excellency, this visit formally marks the commencement of the critical National assignment of verifying and updating the data used in revenue allocation between the National Government, States and Local government areas.
“This exercise is being undertaken in line with the Commission’s constitutional mandate under the 1999 Constitution, which empowers it to continuously review the revenue allocation formula to reflect changing realities,” Ogunlola stated.
Ogunlola, who also congratulated and commended Governor Alex Otti for his achievements in governance, noted that Nigeria’s revenue allocation system is built on a set of parameters and indices designed to ensure fairness, equity, and justice in the distribution of National resources.
“It is therefore imperative that the data underpinning these indices are periodically verified and updated to reflect present-day realities.
“The ongoing review of the revenue allocation formula has reached an advanced stage, making it necessary to validate the integrity and accuracy of the data that will ultimately guide the distribution of revenue across the Federation,” she added.
According to Ukoha, Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, those Present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Uwaoma Ukandu; the Chairman, Board of Internal Revenue, Special Adviser on IGR, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and the Mayor of Isiukwuato LGA and the ALGON Chairman, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke and his Aba North Local Government colleague, Hon Timothy Iheke
