The group is seeking speedy passage of the RMAFC bill

The Gombe Civil Society Network (GONET) has requested the expedited passage of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) amendment bill which is pending passage in the National Assembly.

GONET in a statement signed by its President, Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf and Secretary, Dr. Benjamin Maina, at the end of a one-day dialogue session with the theme, “Towards Effective Fiscal Management of Nigeria: Issues , prospects and limitations”, he observed that RMAFC is a critical body in the governance structure of Nigeria.

He also noted that RMAFC was responsible for overseeing the collection of revenue, allocation of revenue to the three tiers of government and fixing the remuneration of public officers, adding, however, that the commission has been hampered by financial constraints, outdated legal frameworks and insufficient regulatory powers, reducing significantly. its effectiveness.

According to the statement, one of the major challenges facing the commission is the absence of financial autonomy and a weak regulatory framework, which directly hinders the effective and efficient development of its operations. Over the years, the annual budget allocations for financing its activities have been grossly inadequate to protect its independence and support its field operations at the national level.

“The sensitive nature of the commission’s role in Nigeria’s fiscal management requires a high degree of independence, including financial autonomy.

“The proposed law seeks to amend the Law on Mobilization, Allocation and Revenue Tax Commission, CAP. R7 LFN 2010 to grant the commission powers of execution in monitoring the accrual and disbursement of income from the federation’s account and bring the act in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); and for other matters related thereto,” the statement said in part.

He stressed that the bill sought to strengthen the commission by granting it financial autonomy and modernizing its operational frameworks, adding that the existing RMAFC Act, CAP R7 LFN 2004, has become obsolete.