FIC Report (Kogi State) – Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has commended the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for embarking on its nationwide fiscal verification, describing it as a timely initiative that will strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and ensure fairness in the distribution of national resources.
The governor made the remarks on Thursday while receiving an RMAFC delegation at the Government House in Lokoja.
He noted that the exercise, which is taking place after about a decade, would provide the credible and verifiable data needed for equitable revenue allocation across the country.
Ododo said the 2026 national fiscal data verification was strategic because the commission’s constitutional responsibility of reviewing revenue allocation principles could only be effectively carried out using accurate and reliable data.
According to him, the verification of public primary and secondary schools, healthcare facilities and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) records goes beyond statistics, stressing that it is aimed at promoting fairness, equity and justice in the sharing of national resources.
“Reliable data remains the foundation for evidence-based governance, equitable allocation of resources and sustainable development,” the governor said.
He added that the Kogi State Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to transparency, accountability and data-driven governance through improved data management systems and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing planning, budgeting and service delivery.
Governor Ododo directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the 21 Local Government Councils, to provide the commission with the necessary documentation, access and support to ensure the successful conduct of the verification exercise.
The governor expressed confidence that the outcome of the exercise would improve Nigeria’s revenue allocation system, deepen fiscal transparency and strengthen confidence among the federating units.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing institutional reforms, fiscal sustainability and policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy, saying the initiatives reflect the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive development.
Ododo urged the commission to carry out a comprehensive assessment of Kogi State, insisting that the state had been shortchanged in the country’s revenue allocation,despite its enormous economic potential.
According to him, Kogi is an oil and gas-producing state whose contributions are yet to be fully recognised.
He also noted that Dekina Local Government Area is one of Africa’s leading cashew-producing areas, while Kogi accounts for about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s cashew production.
The governor further highlighted the state’s growing economic assets, revealing that toll gates inaugurated in January now record over 500 trucks daily.
He added that Kogi is richly endowed with gold, limestone, iron ore and more than 30 other solid minerals in commercial quantities.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, represented by the Federal Commissioner representing Ogun State, Mr. Akeem Amosu, said Kogi was the final stop in the commission’s nationwide verification tour.
Shehu explained that the exercise, being conducted simultaneously across the country, would verify school enrolment figures, healthcare facilities and other fiscal data across all 21 local government areas of the state.
He said the exercise would provide the commission with credible information needed to review revenue-sharing indices for states and local governments and ensure fair statutory allocations.
The Managing Director commended the Kogi State Government for granting the team unrestricted access to relevant records and data required for the exercise.
Also speaking, the RMAFC Federal Commissioner representing Kogi State, Abdulaziz Idris, praised Governor Ododo for extending infrastructure to rural communities, promoting capital development and building an inclusive government.
He noted that all 21 local government vice-chairpersons in the state are women, describing the administration as one that has given young people and women greater opportunities to participate in governance.
Idris assured the governor that the verification would be conducted across all the local government areas.
In his remarks, Prof. Idris Aliyu said the quality of data provided by Kogi State reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency, expressing optimism that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue profile would rank higher after the verification exercise.
Maryam Abubakar Gulma CIPRO Federal Information Centre Lokoja
9th July 2026
