Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources as the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) commenced its nationwide Data Verification Exercise in the state.
The governor made the pledge on Monday while receiving a delegation from RMFAC led by its Team Leader, Mohammed Kabir Usman, and the Federal Commissioner representing Delta State in the commission, Mr. Aruviere Martins Egharhevwa, at Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori said his administration had sustained significant investments in critical sectors, including healthcare, education and infrastructure development, adding that the projects were visible across the state and available for independent verification.
According to him, prudent management of public funds remains a cornerstone of his administration’s governance philosophy.
“We remain committed to accountability, transparency and prudence in the management of public resources.
“Across Delta State, we have invested substantially in hospitals, schools, roads and other critical infrastructure that have positively impacted the lives of our people,” the governor said.
He noted that development projects were ongoing in all 25 local government areas of the state and encouraged the verification team to inspect facilities physically to ascertain the extent of work done.
“You will see for yourselves the projects we have executed. We are not merely making claims; the evidence is on the ground. We have continued to work across all sectors and local government areas, and these projects are available for verification,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori assured the commission of the state government’s full cooperation throughout the exercise, disclosing that ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the 25 local government councils, had been adequately briefed and directed to provide all relevant documentation and support.
He emphasized the importance of field verification, urging members of the RMFAC team not to rely solely on reports submitted to them.
“What is important is accuracy. We are not asking for what we do not deserve. We only want the records to reflect the realities on the ground. That is the essence of this verification exercise,” he stated.
The governor further urged the team to visit project sites, schools, hospitals and other public facilities to independently assess the data presented.
“As a major contributor to the national revenue pool, Delta State expects a fair and objective assessment based on verifiable records and existing infrastructure. We are confident that the commission will carry out its assignment with professionalism and integrity,” he said.
Earlier, RMFAC Team Leader, Mohammed Kabir Usman, said the delegation was in Delta State to formally flag off the nationwide data verification exercise designed to update and validate information used in determining revenue allocation to states and local governments.
He explained that the exercise formed part of the commission’s constitutional responsibility to periodically review the revenue allocation formula in line with changing socio-economic realities across the federation.
According to him, factors such as population growth, infrastructure expansion and emerging developmental needs make regular data validation necessary to ensure fairness and accuracy in revenue distribution.
“The review of the revenue allocation formula has reached an advanced stage, making it imperative to verify the integrity and accuracy of the data that will guide future revenue allocation across the federation,” Usman said.
He disclosed that the commission had previously trained officials of state and local governments on data collection and management, while also digitising its processes to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
Usman added that the verification team would collaborate closely with relevant ministries, departments, agencies and local government authorities to ensure that the data gathered accurately reflected realities on the ground.
He noted that the outcome of the exercise would have far-reaching implications for both the federation and constituent states, stressing that credible and comprehensive data could positively influence future revenue allocations.
The RMFAC team leader also commended Governor Oborevwori for ongoing infrastructure and urban renewal projects across the state.
“I have observed the urban renewal initiatives, the flyover projects and the specialist hospital under construction. These are clear indicators of the developmental strides being recorded under your administration, and we congratulate you on these achievements,” he said.
Usman assured the governor that the verification exercise would be conducted in line with established professional standards, guaranteeing fairness, transparency and objectivity throughout the process.
