The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Monday held a one-day sensitization exercise in Asaba, Delta State, to introduce a new solid minerals data rendition template that will improve revenue monitoring and accountability in Nigeria’s mining sector. The event, held at Villa Toscana Hotels, drew participants from federal and state governments, local government associations, and the private sector.
The initiative aims to help Nigeria generate more income from solid minerals by ensuring proper documentation, transparency, and effective monitoring of all mining activities across the country.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of Hon. Ibrahim B.B. Shettima, Federal Commissioner and Chairman of the Solid Mineral Monitoring Committee, Martins Egharevwa of the RMAFC said the new data template was created to close gaps in how revenue data from solid minerals is reported and shared.
He noted that the Commission found inconsistencies in figures submitted by state governments and federal agencies, which made it difficult to know the true revenue coming from the solid minerals sector.
“This new template will serve as an independent data source that is free from calculation errors and will help ensure accuracy in revenue reporting,” Shettima said.
He explained that the template will include key details such as the quantity of minerals produced, location of operations, mining companies involved, licenses and permits issued, and sales rates. According to him, this will make it easier to track and monitor all financial activities in the mining sector.
Shettima emphasized that the RMAFC, under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is responsible for monitoring all revenue inflows into and disbursements from the Federation Account. He added that similar sensitization exercises will take place across all six geopolitical zones to ensure the adoption of the new system nationwide.
“This initiative is a step in the right direction toward achieving transparency and accountability in the solid minerals sector,” he said.
In his opening remarks, Mohammed B. Shehu, OFR, Chairman of RMAFC, represented by Martins Egharevwa, welcomed participants and praised the federal government’s efforts to diversify the economy.
“The implementation of the new data rendition templates could not have come at a better time, given the economic challenges Nigeria is facing,” Shehu said.
He explained that Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenue makes the country vulnerable to global oil market changes, vandalism, and theft. According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is determined to focus on other revenue-generating sectors such as solid minerals, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and the blue economy to ensure a stronger financial future.
Shehu noted that RMAFC had earlier conducted two nationwide solid minerals revenue monitoring exercises in 2016 and 2022, which helped increase revenue from the mining sector. However, despite the many mining activities across the country, the sector still contributes only a small percentage to the national account due to weak monitoring.
“With this new system, we can now track the quantity of minerals produced, identify mining companies, and ensure all required payments are made on time,” he said.
He thanked the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, and other partners for supporting the programme, adding that the discussions at the event would lead to better monitoring, increased revenue, and sustainable development in the sector.
Several state representatives also delivered goodwill messages, expressing support for the new initiative and pledging collaboration with RMAFC.
Peter Afagha, Commissioner for the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Bayelsa State, said Bayelsa is blessed with a variety of solid minerals that have not been fully tapped.
“Bayelsa is a state endowed with a lot of solid minerals, and with our presence here, we will be able to show the world that our state’s potential in solid minerals has been underestimated. This meeting will open the way for us to participate more actively in the sector’s development,” he said.
Sir (Hon.) Allwell Ihunda, Chairman of ALGON Rivers State and Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, appreciated RMAFC for organizing the programme and noted that Rivers State has a strong role to play in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
“As Rivers State, we are the treasure base of the nation, and we believe this programme will help us better understand our contributions and how to improve them. We also look forward to insights from our Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources,” Ihunda said.
Representing Cross River State, Okorn Ayang Oyira, the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Solid Minerals, conveyed greetings from Governor Prince Bassey Otu and the State Commissioner.
“Cross River State is a home of solid minerals—too many and too numerous to mention. We are happy to be part of this initiative and will work with the Commission to fully develop and utilize our mineral resources to generate more revenue,” Oyira stated.
The event ended with a call for all stakeholders to work together in implementing the new data rendition template. Participants agreed that the new system will bring transparency, accountability, and increased revenue to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The sensitization exercise will continue across the country’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring that every state benefits from improved monitoring, data accuracy, and fair revenue distribution.
