Rivers govt assures support as RMAFC begins fiscal data verification exercise

The Rivers State Government has assured the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, of its full support as the Commission commences a national data verification exercise in the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara gave the assurance on Friday night while hosting an RMAFC delegation at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The delegation is in Rivers State to update information available to the Commission and assess fiscal data required for effective revenue allocation.

Speaking at an earlier stakeholders’ engagement, the Commissioner for Finance, Kenneth Lekue, said the state government recognises the importance of the exercise, particularly its relevance to revenue allocation and improved fiscal planning.

Lekue noted that the government has put necessary measures in place to enable the team access accurate and first-hand information needed for effective data collection and verification.

He also assured the delegation that Rivers State remains peaceful and secure, urging members to carry out their assignment diligently, move freely and seek assistance whenever necessary.

The exercise will involve engagements with relevant stakeholders and verification of information on the utilisation of public funds allocated to local governments and other tiers of government across the state.

Among the members of the delegation is the Rivers State representative on the Commission, Ambassador Desmond Akawor.

RMAFC is the federal agency responsible for monitoring revenues accruing to and disbursed from the Federation Account, as well as promoting transparency and accountability in public financial management.