Minister to RMAFC: Work out robust funding for FCT

By Taofeek Lawal

Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has appealed to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), to work out a specific funding mechanism for the FCT.

Bello made the appeal when members of the Commission’s Indices and Disbursement Committee, led by its Chairman, Dr Chris Akomas, paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA.

The minister said robust funding of the FCTA will allow the Administration to meet its infrastructural development objective.

According to the minister, Abuja was one of the fastest growing cities in the world with an annual population growth of between 7% and 9% with approximate population of 6 million people as against the 2.5 million envisaged by the masterplan at its present stage of development.

“Everything is grossly overstretched and that is why the FCT Administration, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, decided that we continue to emphasize on completing ongoing infrastructural projects in the road, rail and water sectors,” Bello said.

He also informed his guests that with the number of infrastructural development projects currently going on in the FCT, funding remains a challenge.

He added, “As the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, it is  your national duty to create a special funding mechanism that is not against the constitution that makes sure that these works in progress are  done because as you know, we are considered under section 299 of the Constitution as if we were a state.”

Dr Akomas in his remarks informed the FCT Minister that his team was in the FCTA on an advocacy and sensitization visit to seek the cooperation of the FCT Administration to enable it discharge its duties, one of which is the collation of accurate and reliable data.