RMAFC Chairman Wins African Fiscal Governance Award
By Patience Ikpeme
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has been awarded the 2026 African Business Leadership Award for Fiscal Governance and Revenue Accountability in recognition of his efforts to strengthen fiscal governance and improve accountability in Nigeria’s public finance system.
The award was presented during the 16th African Leadership Magazine Africa Summit held in London.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Maryam Umar Yusuf, the award was described as a recognition of Dr. Shehu’s leadership and his contributions to improving Nigeria’s fiscal management framework.
She said the honour was given to him in recognition of his “exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to fiscal governance reforms, and remarkable contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s public finance architecture.”
According to the statement, the award also reflects the changes introduced at the Commission under Dr. Shehu’s leadership, including reforms aimed at improving transparency in revenue mobilisation and promoting greater accountability in the management of public funds.
The Commission said that since taking office, Dr. Shehu has introduced several initiatives designed to strengthen fiscal transparency, improve revenue accountability and ensure that the Commission continues to carry out its constitutional responsibility of promoting fairness and equity in the sharing of the nation’s revenue.
It added that these reforms have helped position the Commission as an important institution in supporting sound fiscal governance and Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
Maryam Umar Yusuf said the recognition showed that Dr. Shehu’s work was receiving increasing appreciation across the African continent.
“The recognition reflects the growing continental appreciation of Dr. Shehu’s efforts in promoting sound fiscal policies and strengthening institutions that support economic resilience across Africa,” she said.
She added that under his leadership, the Commission has continued to implement reforms aimed at bringing Nigeria’s public finance management in line with internationally accepted standards while supporting both the country’s immediate and future development goals.
“Under his leadership, RMAFC has continued to pursue reforms that align public finance management with global best practices while supporting Nigeria’s short and long-term development aspirations,” Yusuf said.
The statement also noted that the award recognised Dr. Shehu’s strategic leadership, professional competence and dedication to public service, saying his approach to fiscal governance has earned him respect within government, the private sector and across Africa.
According to the Commission, the honour reflects its Chairman’s commitment to building strong institutions and promoting confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal management system. It added that the award also demonstrates the importance of institutional reforms in promoting transparency, accountability and sustainable economic growth.
Congratulating Dr. Shehu on the achievement, the Commission expressed confidence that the recognition would encourage its ongoing efforts to deepen fiscal reforms, strengthen public trust and promote policies that support equitable national development.
“The Commission also believes that this latest honour marks another significant milestone in Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu’s distinguished career in public service and serves as a motivation for even greater accomplishments in the pursuit of national and continental development,” Yusuf said.
