TheCable

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has asked for a joint funding with the federal, state and local governments for improved performance.

Muhammad Shehu, chairman, RMAFC, made the call while appearing before the house of representatives committee on finance, to defend the budget proposed by the commission in the 2023 appropriation bill in Abuja on Monday.

Shehu said the commission ought to have a joint funding with the federal, states and LGAs, as it does not just work for the federal government alone, but also for the federation.

He further said poor funding of the body forced him into seeking funds “from outside”.

“For the 2022 budget, we had released from January to July, but from July to this date we have not got a dime. So, as we are now, we can’t do a lot of things. I have to source money from outside to be able to pay for the cleaners, diesel, security men, papers and consumables,” Shehu said.

Responding to this, James Faleke, chairman of the committee, asked if the commission took loans.

“I didn’t take a loan, I source for money personally,” Shehu replied.

“What I am trying to point to you, Mr. chairman, is that we have not been funded and everyone will look up to me to do the needful.

“I have always stated whenever I have the opportunity that Nigeria should look at Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission not as a creation of the federal government but as a creation of the federation. We want a situation where the commission can be independent of any influence of any government, whether it is federal, states or local governments.

“In this same light, I want a situation where the funding of the commission can be done by the federation of Nigeria, not by the federal government where they have an envelope system every year. If you do that and fund the commission properly, using the federation, we will have a better quality of staff, better capacity and independence to be able to look at whoever violates our federation.

“I am appealing to the lawmakers to look at this so they can reposition the commission to have that independence. With this, we can mobilise revenue for Nigerians and share it appropriately according to law.”

Faleke, however, said the RMAFC boss ought to follow due process before collecting loans.

He also said the commission can not amend its act now for joint funding to be implemented.

“You are before the parliament. Don’t tell us that. There are procedures to take money from outside. If you don’t follow that procedure, it is against the law,” Faleke said.

“You (Shehu) were appointed chairman of RMAFC by the federal government, asking him to seek amendments to the act establishing the commission. If you talk from now till tomorrow, it can’t happen. That is the only way.”