By Nefishetu Yakubu
The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman has urged the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to strengthen institutional governance, procedural compliance and operational efficiency.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building programme on Wednesday in Abuja, Sulaiman, described the training as strategic.
The DG of NILDS who welcomed the RMAFC Chairman, commissioners and Business and Rules Committee members to NILDS to the event, said RMAFC’s decision to choose NILDS for the programme demonstrated its commitment to strengthening institutional governance, enhancing procedural effectiveness and promoting operational excellence.
He noted that RMAFC, established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, plays a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability and sound fiscal governance across Nigeria.
The director-general explained that NILDS was established by an Act of the National Assembly to strengthen legislative and democratic institutions, including the Executive arm of government.
He said that President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve fiscal governance made RMAFC’s responsibilities in monitoring revenues, managing allocations and advising government increasingly significant for national development.
“I, therefore, commend the leadership of RMAFC, led by the Chairman, Dr Mohammed Shehu, for his commitment to staff training and national development,” he said
Sulaiman explained that Nigeria’s economy presented growth opportunities in spite of the persistent fiscal challenges, including rising debt levels and dependence on revenue sources beyond the nation’s direct control.
He stressed that innovation remained essential to addressing fiscal vulnerabilities while maximising opportunities for improved revenue generation and sustainable economic growth across the federation.
According to him, no organisation or nation can achieve sustainable development without internal stability, efficient operations and sound governance structures supporting institutional effectiveness and accountability.
He said the Business and Rules Committee occupied a strategic position in managing internal scheduling, meeting procedures and governance guidelines within the commission.
Sulaiman said the training was carefully designed to strengthen participants’ capacity in institutional governance, committee administration, procedural compliance, strategic leadership and operational efficiency.
He added that participants would also examine records management, ethical leadership and oversight mechanisms, while acquiring practical tools for improved professionalism, effectiveness and accountability in service.
“The sessions are intended not only to broaden knowledge but also to provide practical tools and strategies that will enhance the committee’s capacity,” he stated.
The director-general expressed confidence that knowledge gained during the programme would strengthen internal coordination, improve decision-making processes and foster greater institutional discipline within RMAFC.
“At NILDS, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting governance institutions through high-quality research, policy advisory services, legislative studies and capacity development programmes.”
Sulaiman thanked the participants for selecting NILDS as their capacity development partner and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening governance institutions through continuous training and research.
Earlier, the Chairman, RMAFC Business and Rules Committee, Mr Madu Julure said the members were participating in the capacity-building programme to deepen their understanding of legal and democratic principles.
Julure said the training was approved by the commission’s chairman, adding that members considered it necessary to strengthen their knowledge for more effective discharge of their responsibilities.
According to him, although the commission has several committees, the Business and Rules Committee recognises the importance of continuous learning to improve institutional performance.
“We are here today on the approval of our chairman. We are here to learn and to receive guidance on what we are expected to do,” Julure said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu