Yobe: New Data Template Launched to Unlock Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Revenue
From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu
The Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has on Thursday inaugurated a new data collection system for the solid minerals sector, aiming to plug revenue leaks and capture billions of Naira currently lost to poor monitoring.
The initiative, unveiled at a stakeholders’ sensitization workshop in Damaturu, Yobe State, introduces a unified Solid Mineral Data Rendition Template designed to provide accurate, real-time data on mining activities across the country.
The Chaiman of the RMAFC, M.B.Shehu, represented by Alhaji Modu Aji Juluri stated that despite Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth, the sector’s contribution to the national treasury remains negligible due to a lack of transparent and reliable data.
“The implementation of the new data rendition templates is timely, given the current economic difficulties,” said Mr. Shehu
He emphasized that this move is critical for diversifying the economy away from its “perpetual over-dependence on hydrocarbon revenue,” which is plagued by volatility, theft, and vandalism.
According to him,the new system aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to harness non-oil sectors like solid minerals, agriculture, and manufacturing to broaden the nation’s revenue base.
“The template will serve as a single, authoritative source of data, capturing key details that have been previously inconsistent or unreported.
“This includes;the exact quantity of minerals produced.The companies involved and their locations.All license fees and permits paid” he added.
Ibrahim Shettima, Head of the RMAFC’s Solid Mineral Revenue office, represented by Paul Tayo, explained that the platform will be cost-free and accessible to all relevant agencies.
“t is imperative that the perceived discrepancies in the figures submitted by state governments and the Federal Ministry be addressed through this uniform measure,”Said Shettima.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, declared the workshop open and expressed strong support for the initiative.
He highlighted Yobe’s rich deposits of limestone, granite, and gypsum, and the state’s commitment to leveraging the mining sector to create jobs and increase internal revenue.
“It is equally instructive for us to create additional revenue sources, thereby reducing our dependence on monthly allocations from the federal government,” the Governor said, noting the impending changes to revenue sharing dynamics from new tax reforms.
