The strategic engagement, which took place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Governor’s Office, marked the formal commencement of the Commission’s verification exercise in Abia State, a critical national assignment aimed at reviewing and updating the data used in revenue allocation among the Federal Government, States, and Local Government Areas across Nigeria.
Receiving the delegation from the Commission, Governor Otti assured the team that his administration had already mobilized relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate fully and provide every required support to ensure a smooth and successful 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 Governor emphasized that while equitable revenue sharing remains necessary, the real pathway to long-term prosperity lies in strengthening internal revenue generation and building economically independent States capable of sustaining themselves beyond federal allocation.
He warned against continued overdependence on crude oil revenues, noting that the global economic landscape is rapidly changing as nations shift away from fossil fuels toward alternative energy sources and diversified economies.
“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 further highlighted the entrepreneurial strength, resilience, and innovative capacity of Abians, describing Abia State as a growing commercial and industrial destination with enormous untapped economic potential.
He encouraged members of the Commission’s delegation to explore the State’s thriving business hubs and witness firsthand the energy driving Abia’s emerging economic transformation under his administration.
Earlier in her remarks, the Team Lead and Federal Commissioner representing Ekiti State at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Hon. Omowumi Ogunlola, who delivered the address of the Commission’s Chairman, explained that the delegation was in Abia State to formally commence the nationwide data verification exercise currently being conducted across the Federation.
She noted that the exercise is constitutionally backed and forms a critical component of the ongoing review of Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula in line with changing national realities and developmental demands.
“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,“ Hon. Ogunlola stated.
Hon. Ogunlola further appealed to the Abia State Government to facilitate access to relevant records and data, provide competent liaison officers, ensure smooth coordination with local government councils, and create a conducive environment for the successful execution of the assignment.
She also commended Governor Alex Otti for what she described as his remarkable achievements in governance and developmental leadership, stressing that the integrity and accuracy of data remain fundamental to ensuring fairness, equity, and justice in the sharing 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.
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