Otti Seeks RMAFC Support To Access Funding For Non-Oil Sectors

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has sought the support of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, to enable the state access funding dedicated to the development of non-oil sectors, particularly agriculture, solid minerals and tourism.

Governor Otti made the request on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at his office in Umuahia, when he received RMAFC Team Two, led by the Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, Ambassador Desmond Akawor.

The Governor said Abia takes fiscal efficiency and responsibility seriously, noting that the state has consistently prioritised capital expenditure while keeping the cost of governance under control.

“We take budget very, very seriously. We have dedicated not less than 80 per cent of our expenditure to capital projects in the last three years,” Otti said.

He said Abia’s ability to execute major projects despite its relatively low share of federal allocation is largely due to prudent management of resources.

“Some of the reasons we are able to do some of the things we are doing here is because we are down-right efficient in terms of how we deploy our resources,” he stated.

Otti disclosed that agriculture, solid minerals and tourism remain critical to Abia’s economic development, pointing out that the state is endowed with substantial mineral resources across the Lokpanta-Umunneochi, Arochukwu and Ukwa belts. He noted that solid minerals remain on the Exclusive Legislative List, making collaboration with the Federal Government essential.

The Governor appealed to the Commission to give Abia favourable consideration in the disbursement of funds earmarked for states developing alternative sources of revenue.

“The N600 billion that is left out of the N810 billion, we would request that you consider us very, very positively,” he said, adding that the state has already applied and is awaiting verification.

Earlier, Ambassador Akawor explained that the RMAFC Committee on Fiscal Efficiency and Budget is responsible for assessing projects proposed by states under the Federal Government’s initiative to support non-oil revenue generation.

He said only three states – Lagos, Bauchi and Yobe – have so far accessed the fund, while about N810 billion remains outstanding to states recommended for funding. He said efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the outstanding funds, adding that approximately N210 billion currently available has been proposed for sharing among states, amounting to about N6 billion per state.

Akawor commended the Abia State Government for its interventions, particularly at the National War Museum, Umuahia, describing what the team saw as completely different from other states and deserving of Federal Government attention.

He also commended Governor Otti’s infrastructural strides and encouraged him to sustain the momentum.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioners and other top government officials.