The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has stressed the need to create a better system of funding and constitutional recognition for traditional rulers.
RMAFC disclosed this during a meeting with traditional rulers from Nasarawa state, led by His Royal Highness Abdullahi Amegwa, the Osana of Keana, in Abuja.
Members and directors of the Commission present at the meeting echoed the need for a clear policy on the allocation of the five percent entitlement to traditional councils, supporting the request for deductions at the source.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 9, the chairman of RMAFC, Mohamed Bello Shehu, noted the importance of traditional rulers as custodians of Nigerian culture and as agents of stability and development.
Shehu stressed that for traditional rulers to perform their roles effectively, there needs to be a better system of funding and constitutional recognition.
He cited the shortcomings of past reforms, such as the 1976 Local Government reforms and the 1999 Constitution, which did not accord traditional rulers a significant role in governance.
“We did not get things right with the Local Government (LG) reforms of 1976, and we did not get it right with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended),” Shehu stated.
“I hope that the current attempts to reform the Constitution will place a bigger role on traditional rulers and find a way to fund and sustain their activities so they can continue to hold society together as they have done over the years.”
During the meeting, traditional rulers reiterated their demand for the five percent statutory allocation to local governments, which is constitutionally reserved for traditional councils, to be deducted at the source and disbursed directly to the councils.
This request was made by Dr. Samson Gamu Yare, the Chunmada of Akwanga, who expressed concern over the declining share of the allocation received by traditional councils.
“Even with the improvement in statutory allocation, the 5% allocated to traditional councils has continued to experience decline, and that for us is a serious concern.
“This calls for an urgent review of the disbursement process. We request that the five percent allocation be deducted directly at the source to ensure proper accountability and compliance,” said Yare.
The traditional rulers commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to grant financial autonomy to local governments, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.
Yare noted that this autonomy aligns with the president’s grassroots focus and his dedication to strengthening the third tier of government.
In response, the RMAFC chairman assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed. He advised the royal fathers to formally submit a letter to the presidential committee on local government autonomy, detailing their request for direct funding.
Shehu also noted that the commission would support the proposal by forwarding its recommendations to the committee.