The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr Muhammed Shehu, has commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for what he described as prudent management of the state’s resources.

Shehu spoke on Tuesday when he led members of the commission on a courtesy visit to Otti at the governor’s office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

He said the governor’s investments in road infrastructure and education, among other sectors, had significantly affected the state’s development.

Shehu described Abia as “the best, if not the best-governed state in Nigeria”, adding that Otti ranked ahead of previous governors of the state.

The RMAFC chairman also highlighted the administration’s efforts in primary healthcare, fiscal transparency and security.

He cited Abia’s movement from 17th to fourth position in fiscal transparency and the reduction in the state’s debt profile as notable developments.

Shehu said RMAFC was undergoing reforms to strengthen revenue monitoring, improve digitalisation and provide real-time access to revenue information from revenue-generating agencies.

He also disclosed that the commission was working on a new revenue allocation formula, saying the existing formula had operated for several decades and needed to reflect the changing responsibilities of the Federal, state and local governments.

According to him, states now have expanded responsibilities in areas including transportation infrastructure and other sectors previously dominated by the Federal Government.

Shehu thanked Otti for supporting the commission, particularly by providing land for the construction of its permanent office in Abia.

Responding, Otti welcomed the proposed reforms and expressed hope that a new revenue allocation formula would give states greater financial capacity to provide services and undertake development projects.

The governor assured the commission of his administration’s continued support in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.