RMAFC Chief Lauds Otti, Hails Abia as Best-Governed State

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Muhammed Shehu, has described Abia State under Governor Alex Otti as one of the best-governed states in Nigeria, citing prudent resource management, massive infrastructure investments and improved fiscal discipline.

Shehu made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the governor at his Nvosi office in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. He was accompanied by members of the commission.

The RMAFC chairman said independent analysts would agree that Abia ranks among the top-performing states, and that Otti stands out as the most effective governor the state has had. He specifically praised the administration’s construction and rehabilitation of more than 400 roads and bridges, investments in education and primary healthcare, gains in fiscal transparency and security, and the state’s overall peaceful environment.

Shehu highlighted Abia’s rise from 17th to 4th position in fiscal transparency rankings and the significant reduction in its debt profile as clear evidence of responsible governance and effective use of statutory allocations.

During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certificate of Occupancy to RMAFC, making Abia the first state in the South-East to allocate land for the commission’s permanent office. Shehu expressed appreciation for the gesture and assured that the completed building would meet national standards.

The chairman disclosed that RMAFC is implementing reforms to strengthen revenue monitoring, accelerate digitalisation and improve real-time access to data from revenue-generating agencies. He also confirmed that work is underway on a new revenue allocation formula. The existing formula, he noted, has remained largely unchanged for decades and no longer reflects the expanded responsibilities of states, particularly in transportation infrastructure and other areas previously dominated by the Federal Government.

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Shehu said steps were being taken to recover and properly utilise funds meant for development, including those under the Natural Resources Development Fund.

Responding, Governor Otti welcomed the proposed reforms and expressed optimism that, with presidential support, states would be better empowered to deliver more for their citizens. He noted that his administration has consistently allocated over 80 per cent of its annual budgets to capital expenditure over the past three years, prioritising infrastructure, education and health despite Abia’s relatively modest federal allocation.

Otti reaffirmed the state’s continued support for RMAFC and voiced hope that the new revenue formula would be implemented soon to enable states to achieve greater impact.

The visit underscores growing recognition of Abia’s fiscal turnaround and developmental progress under the current administration.