RMAFC Declares Anti-Graft War a ‘Collective Responsibility’
By Patience Ikpeme
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has called for concerted national effort in the fight against corruption, stating that the responsibility for tackling graft transcends the mandate of any single institution.
He argued that success requires vigilance, integrity, and transparency across all tiers of governance.
The declaration was made in Abuja during a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the Commission’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in conjunction with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday.
Representing Dr. Shehu at the event was the Secretary to the Commission, Nwaze Joseph Okechukwu. Mr. Okechukwu conveyed the Chairman’s conviction that RMAFC occupies a unique and strategic position in the nation’s fiscal architecture.
“As the institution constitutionally empowered to monitor accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account, we understand the critical role of ethical conduct in safeguarding public resources,” the Chairman’s statement said.
Dr. Shehu noted that corruption in any form poses a severe threat to national stability. He observed that it “undermines development, distorts fiscal planing, erodes public trust, and ultimately denies citizens the social and economic benefits that government revenues are meant to provide.”
The Chairman welcomed the convergence of key stakeholders who share a commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability, describing the programme as an essential opportunity for institutional renewal.
He added: “The programme offers an opportunity to strengthen the ethical awareness, understand emerging risks, and recommit ourselves to doing what is right, just, fair and equitable at all times.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the RMAFC ACTU, Mr. Idris Musa Sariki, welcomed the participants and offered appreciation to the ICPC for their continuous guidance in strengthening transparency within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He confirmed that the establishment of ACTU within the RMAFC reflects the Commission’s dedication to its core values of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
Mr. Sariki explained that the Unit plays a vital role in promoting ethical conduct and building a work environment where corruption cannot thrive. He further explained that the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts rests on individual actions, not just policy alone.
“Today’s programme is timely, essential and provides an opportunity for staff to better understand corruption risks, preventive strategies, and their individual responsibilities as public officers,” he stated.
In a related contribution, the Director of Servicom in the Commission, Mr. Olaye Osayemen, urged participants to approach the programme with seriousness to ensure strict adherence to the civil service financial regulations.
The sensitisation featured presentations from ICPC officials, including a paper on the “Definition of corruption” by Ozor Ijeomah and a session on “Ethical decision making in doing government business” by Dr. Anike Adesina.
