The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Muhammed Shehu, has commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for what he described as prudent management of the state’s resources.

Shehu spoke on Tuesday when he led members of the commission on a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The RMAFC chairman said the governor’s investments in road infrastructure, education and other sectors demonstrated responsible use of public resources and had produced visible developments across the state.

Shehu expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to assess the developments under Otti’s administration since the governor assumed office.

He described Abia as fortunate to have Otti as governor, saying independent analysts could regard the state as “the best, if not the best-governed state in Nigeria.”

He also described Otti as the best among those who had previously governed the state.

Beyond infrastructure and education, Shehu highlighted the administration’s efforts in primary healthcare, fiscal transparency and security. He said improvements in the state’s fiscal performance and its peaceful environment were signs of responsible governance.

According to him, Abia’s rise from 17th to fourth position in fiscal transparency and the reduction of its debt profile were among the notable achievements of the administration.

Shehu also thanked Governor Otti for supporting the commission in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities, particularly by providing land for the construction of RMAFC’s permanent office in the state.

He disclosed that the commission was implementing reforms designed to improve revenue monitoring, expand digitalisation and provide real-time access to revenue information from revenue-generating agencies.

The RMAFC chairman further revealed that the commission was reviewing the revenue allocation formula currently in use, arguing that the existing arrangement had operated for several decades and needed to reflect the changing responsibilities of the Federal, state and local governments.

He explained that states now have expanded responsibilities in areas including transportation infrastructure and other sectors that were previously largely handled by the Federal Government.

Shehu said the commission was also taking measures to ensure that funds intended for development were recovered, properly allocated and effectively utilised.

He expressed appreciation to Otti for allocating land for the commission’s permanent office in Abia and assured that the proposed facility would meet the standard of RMAFC offices across the country.

Responding, Governor Otti welcomed the commission’s planned reforms, saying changes to the revenue allocation system could give states greater capacity to meet the needs of their people.

Otti assured the commission of his administration’s continued support and expressed hope that the proposed revenue allocation formula would be implemented soon.

The governor said greater financial empowerment for states would enable them to do more for their citizens.