NIGERIA: FG Unveils Data Platform To Track Solid Minerals Revenue

By Hamzat Ameenat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Federal Government has launched an independent data platform for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to ensure transparent and accurate monitoring of revenues from the solid minerals sector.

The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja during a one-day sensitisation exercise, aims to eliminate discrepancies in revenue figures submitted by government agencies and operators, providing a single, reliable data source for verification and accountability.

RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, represented by Hon. Ibrahim Shettima, Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, said the new system was designed to close information gaps and strengthen transparency in reporting revenues into the Federation Account.

Dr Shehu said: “It is imperative that the perceived discrepancies in figures submitted by State Governments and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as revenue from the sector be addressed through the use of a uniform solid minerals data rendition template.”

According to him, the new data template specifies critical details such as the scale of measurement used to report quantity, exact production locations, mining companies involved, and sale rates per unit of measurement.

He noted that the approach would enhance the accuracy and efficiency of revenue monitoring.

He added: “this process is aimed at improving effective revenue tracking and management in the solid minerals sector.”

Dr. Shehu explained that the Commission’s oversight role is constitutionally backed by paragraph 32(a), Part I of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers RMAFC to monitor accruals to and disbursements from the Federation Account.

“The Commission is also mandated to identify areas of potential revenue growth, lapses, or discrepancies in remittances from all economic sectors to advise the three tiers of government on ways to enhance revenue,” he said.

He emphasized that effective monitoring of revenues from key sectors like solid minerals remains critical to increasing national income and ensuring equitable distribution among the federal, state, and local governments.

The sensitisation exercise, according to him, was designed to promote collaboration and information sharing across the six geopolitical zones.

“Over the course of this exercise, stakeholders across the country will share best practices and forge partnerships that will contribute to the growth and development of the solid minerals sector, and indeed Nigeria,” he added.

Dr Shehu urged participants to engage actively and leverage expert insights during the discussions, stressing the importance of cooperation among relevant agencies.

He said.”Let this be an occasion for constructive dialogue, meaningful networking, and a shared commitment to transforming our nation for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

The introduction of the solid minerals data rendition platform marks a major step in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to deepen transparency, accountability, and revenue diversification beyond the oil sector.