The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has formally approached the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to seek access to the Natural Resources Development Fund (NRDF) in support of its infrastructure and agricultural development initiatives.
A delegation led by the acting Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Michael Ango—representing the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike—made a formal presentation to the RMAFC Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee over the weekend in Abuja.
Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Chairman of the Committee and Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, received the delegation on behalf of the RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Shehu.
Akawor commended Wike for his proactive development agenda and applauded the FCTA’s efforts to leverage natural resources to boost socio-economic growth.
“The Commission appreciates the Minister’s innovative drive to harness the FCT’s agricultural, solid mineral, and tourism potential in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of economic diversification,” Akawor stated.
He explained that the NRDF, which receives a monthly 1.68 per cent allocation from the Federation Account, was established under the Revenue Allocation (Federation Account, etc.) Act CAP A15 LFN 2004 to support economic diversification projects across the three tiers of government.
He noted that to access the Fund, the requesting entity must make a formal presentation to the Commission, followed by a physical assessment of the proposed projects. Based on the findings, the Commission prepares a report with recommendations, which is then submitted to the President for final approval.
Akawor assured the FCT delegation that the Committee would evaluate their request fairly and in accordance with the objectives of the Fund’s establishment.
In his presentation, Mr. Ango outlined key projects for which the FCT seeks funding, including constructing, rehabilitating, and desilting dams such as Lower Usuma, Pedan, Jabi Lake, and Kilankwa to facilitate all-year-round crop production.
Other proposed projects include installing solar-powered irrigation systems to support dry-season farming, establishing six mechanisation service centres with tractors and harvesters for smallholder farmers, providing crop-specific harvesting and storage technologies to reduce post-harvest losses, and modernising grains and cattle markets alongside enhanced veterinary services.
Ango also highlighted plans to develop the FCT’s tourism sector and explore its solid mineral potential as part of the administration’s broader diversification goals.
During the interactive session, members of the Committee praised the strides made by the FCT Minister since assuming office. They asked questions to better understand the proposed projects’ scope, implementation strategy, and expected outcomes.
In response, Ango assured the Commission that the funds, if approved, would be transparently and judiciously applied to deliver tangible results.
The visit followed an earlier letter by Minister Wike formally requesting access to the NRDF.
In a vote of thanks, Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako, Federal Commissioner representing the FCT, commended the FCT-IRS for its strategic vision and commitment to boosting internally generated revenue.
He lauded the administration’s approach to sustainable development and expressed confidence in the RMAFC’s due diligence process.
“Fiscal responsibility, accountability, and sound judgment will guide our evaluation of the FCT’s request,” Ambassador Ngbako affirmed, urging fellow commissioners to support the proposal in recognition of Minister Wike’s achievements in the territory.
