Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, has appealed to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to support the state’s efforts to access federal funding earmarked for the development of non-oil revenue sectors.
Governor Otti made the appeal on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, when he received Team Two of the RMAFC on an official working visit to Abia. The delegation was led by the Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, Ambassador Desmond Akawor.
The governor identified agriculture, solid minerals and tourism as key sectors with the potential to broaden Abia’s revenue base and strengthen its economy beyond dependence on statutory allocations.
According to Otti, his administration has maintained a strong focus on fiscal discipline and capital investment, with more than 80 percent of the state’s expenditure reportedly committed to capital projects over the past three years.
“We take budget very, very seriously. We have dedicated not less than 80 per cent of our expenditure to capital projects in the last three years,” the governor said.
Otti explained that the state’s ability to undertake major infrastructure and development projects despite its relatively modest share of federal allocations was linked to what he described as efficient deployment of available resources.
He also drew attention to Abia’s mineral potential, particularly across the Lokpanta-Umunneochi, Arochukwu and Ukwa areas, while noting that the development of solid minerals requires close cooperation with the Federal Government because the sector falls under the Exclusive Legislative List.
“We can only partner with the Federal Government,” Otti stated.
The governor therefore urged RMAFC to give Abia favourable consideration in the disbursement of funds intended to help states develop alternative revenue sources.
Referring to the outstanding funding under the initiative, Otti said Abia had already submitted its application and was awaiting the outcome of the verification process.
“The ₦600 billion that is left out of the ₦810 billion, we would request that you consider us very, very positively,” he said.
The RMAFC delegation explained that its Committee on Fiscal Efficiency and Budget is responsible, among other duties, for assessing projects submitted by states under the Federal Government’s programme supporting non-oil revenue development.
Ambassador Akawor said the programme covers projects in agriculture, solid minerals and tourism. States are required to submit proposals for assessment and verification before recommendations can be made for funding.
He disclosed that Lagos, Bauchi and Yobe had so far accessed the fund, while about ₦810 billion remained outstanding for states that had been recommended for funding. He added that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the outstanding resources.
According to Akawor, about ₦210 billion currently available had been proposed for distribution among states, which could translate to approximately ₦6 billion per state.
The RMAFC team also commended the Abia State Government for some of the projects and interventions observed during its visit, particularly the state’s intervention at the National War Museum in Umuahia.
Akawor said the condition of the museum warranted greater Federal Government attention and praised the Abia Government for taking steps to improve the facility. He added that the commission would make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Government.
The RMAFC delegation further acknowledged the infrastructure projects being undertaken across Abia, saying the team had both received reports and personally witnessed some of the developments during its visit.
“With all that we have seen and heard and read, we encourage you to continue,” Akawor said.
The team was also scheduled to inspect the state’s rubber plantation as part of its official working visit.
The meeting comes amid broader discussions around fiscal reforms and the role of states in strengthening their internally generated revenue. RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu has also said the commission is pursuing reforms aimed at improving revenue monitoring, digitalisation and the review of Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework.
During the engagement, the Abia Government reiterated its commitment to supporting RMAFC’s operations in the state. The government subsequently presented a Certificate of Occupancy to the commission for its permanent office in Abia, with reports describing the state as the first in the South-East to provide land for an RMAFC permanent office.
Present at the meeting were the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D.; commissioners; the Accountant-General of the State; and other senior government officials.
ALSO READ: Abia Govt Moves to Restore 50MW Grid Power to Aba, Secures Backup Gas Supply
The discussions underline Abia’s push to attract additional funding and develop productive sectors capable of generating sustainable economic opportunities through agriculture, solid minerals and tourism.
