The Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET) has passionately advocated for the swift passage of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) amendment bill, which is currently under review by the National Assembly. Following its successful second reading, GONET convened a dialogue session in Gombe titled “Towards Nigeria’s Effective Fiscal Management: Issues, Prospects and Constraints.” This session culminated in a communiqué that emphasizes the pivotal role of the RMAFC in Nigeria’s governance landscape. The commission is tasked with overseeing revenue accruals, allocating funds to the three tiers of government, and determining remuneration for public officials. With the bill’s passing, GONET envisions significant improvements in the fiscal management systems of the country.
In the communiqué, GONET expressed deep concerns regarding the hurdles faced by the RMAFC that undermine its effectiveness. Key issues highlighted include financial constraints, reliance on outdated legal frameworks, and a lack of sufficient regulatory powers. These challenges have resulted in diminished operational capabilities, hindering the commission’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities effectively. The absence of financial autonomy and a robust regulatory framework has restricted the RMAFC’s performance, compounded by inadequate funding reflected in its annual budget.
One of the core objectives of the proposed amendment bill is to enhance the RMAFC’s authority. Specifically, it aims to endow the commission with enforcement powers necessary for monitoring the accruals and distributions from the Federation Account. Additionally, the bill seeks to align the commission’s operation with the amended 1999 Constitution, thereby reinforcing its legal framework. The communiqué’s signatories, GONET Chair Ibrahim Yusuf and Secretary Benjamin Maina, underscored that these proposed changes are crucial for the RMAFC to operate more effectively within the Nigerian governance structure.
In order to facilitate the bill’s progress, GONET has made an appeal to the National Assembly and the Presidency, urging them to prioritize the RMAFC amendment bill due to its importance in reforming Nigeria’s fiscal management system. Reforming this system could significantly enhance governance and improve fiscal oversight, ultimately benefiting all tiers of government. Moreover, GONET has called upon governors to leverage their influence to sway federal legislators from their states towards supporting the swift passage of the bill. Such united efforts from key stakeholders are deemed vital for the bill’s success.
The anticipation surrounding the bill’s eventual enactment is marked by hope that if signed into law by the President, it will renew the commission’s ability to operate effectively. The expected outcomes include lifting the financial and legal constraints that have historically hampered the commission, transforming it from a “toothless bulldog” to a more agile organization capable of taking decisive action. GONET believes that the enactment of this bill would significantly contribute to curbing revenue leakages while fostering greater transparency and accountability in the management of the nation’s finances.
In summary, GONET’s push for the RMAFC amendment bill embodies a broader call for enhanced fiscal management in Nigeria. The group’s dialogue session reflects a deep concern over the current inefficiencies of the commission, highlighting the importance of legislative support to rectify these issues. By aligning the bill with the constitutional framework and empowering the commission properly, GONET foresees improved revenue management that aligns with the President’s initiative of “Renewed Hope.” This endeavor represents a critical movement towards solidifying Nigeria’s governance and ensuring sustainable fiscal practices that benefit citizens across all levels of society.
