The federal government has launched an independent data platform for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to ensure the timely and accurate rendition of solid minerals revenue data across states.

The Initiative is aimed at eliminating discrepancies in the figures submitted by government agencies and operators in the solid minerals sector.

The new platform, according to the Commission, will serve as a reliable, discrepancy-free data source that can be used for verification, comparison, and attribution of revenues generated from the solid minerals sector into the Federation Account.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at a one-day sensitization exercise on the implementation of a new solid minerals data rendition template for effective revenue monitoring, the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, represented by Hon. Ibrahim Shettima, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State in the Commission, said the new system was designed to close existing information gaps and strengthen transparency in revenue reporting.

Dr. Shehu said, “It is imperative that the perceived discrepancies in the figures submitted by State Governments and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as revenue from the solid minerals sector into the Federation Account be addressed through the use of a uniform solid minerals data rendition template.”

According to him, the template will clearly specify the “scale of measurement used to report quantity, actual location of production aside from the State, the company mining the mineral, and the rate being sold per unit of measurement.”

He stated that this approach would improve accuracy and efficiency in the process of monitoring revenues from the solid minerals sector. “This process is aimed at enhancing effective revenue monitoring,” he explained.

Dr. Shehu pointed out that RMAFC’s role is constitutionally mandated, noting that “the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission is empowered by paragraph 32 (a) of Part I to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), to, among other things, monitor accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account.”

He further stated that the Commission has a responsibility to identify areas of potential revenue growth, lapses, or discrepancies in remittances from all economic sectors.

“It is therefore a responsibility of the Commission to look into areas of potentials, lapses or discrepancies in revenue remittances into the Federation Account from all economic sectors for the purpose of advising the three tiers of government on appropriate ways to enhance their revenue, as enshrined in paragraph 32 © of Part I to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.

Dr. Shehu added that revenue monitoring from critical sectors such as solid minerals is crucial to improving national income and ensuring equitable distribution among the three tiers of government.

He said the sensitization exercise was designed to foster collaboration and information sharing across the six geopolitical zones.

“Over the course of this exercise, the six geopolitical zones of the country will be engaging in sharing best practices and opinions in terms of solid mineral data rendition and forging partnerships that will undoubtedly contribute to the overall progress and development of the solid minerals sector, and indeed Nigeria,” he stated.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the engagement, stressing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.

“I urge all participants to actively leverage the experts and perspectives in the discourse. Let this be an occasion for constructive dialogue, meaningful networking, and a shared commitment to transforming our nation for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr. Shehu said.

The new solid minerals data rendition initiative marks a significant step in the federal government’s broader drive for transparency, accountability, and improved revenue generation in the solid minerals sector, which has been identified as one of Nigeria’s key non-oil growth areas. (The Nation)