Following the recognition of Kogi State as an oil-producing state, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Tuesday announced its its readiness to include the state among states eligible for the 13 per cent derivation fund.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, made this disclosure on Tuesday, in Abuja, while receiving the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who led a high-powered delegation to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja for an interactive session on the state’s entitlements under Nigeria’s fiscal framework.
Dr. Shehu assured the governor that the Commission would ensure that Kogi receives every kobo due to it under the derivation principle, in line with constitutional provisions.
Head of Information and Public Relations of the commission, Maryam Yusuf, who made this disclosure through a statement issued Wedneaday , quoted RMAC chairman as saying, “Whatever issue you table before us, we will try as much as possible, within the provisions of the law, to see that Kogi State gets what it deserves. Our role is to ensure the state receives its rightful share of resources, whether from oil, gas, or solid minerals, and that every allocation is properly documented and protected.”
According to him, the commission remained committed to transparency and equity in revenue distribution, adding that Kogi would enjoy the full backing of RMAFC as it begins its journey as one of Nigeria’s oil-bearing states.
The Chairman directed the immediate constitution of a joint technical committee comprising officials of the Gas Investments and Crude Oil Departments of RMAFC, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Kogi State Government to harmonise data, evaluate production status, and address all pending issues delaying Kogi’s onboarding.
Governor Ododo expressed concern that despite Kogi’s abundant mineral endowments and recent recognition as an oil-producing state, it had yet to benefit from the 13% derivation fund.
Ododo, who queried the status of ongoing petroleum operations within the state and emphasised the importance of accessing accurate data to support its claims, said, “Kogi is not enjoying the benefits of the numerous mineral resources it is blessed with.
We do not understand why we are yet to benefit from the 13% derivation since our recognition as an oil-producing state. I thank you for this warm reception and your vision. We look forward to continued engagement with the Commission to ensure the resources of Kogi State are fully optimised for the benefit of our people,” the governor said.
