The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has begun a technical review of Anambra State’s request for ₦70 billion from the Stabilisation Fund to address security challenges, environmental threats and critical infrastructure needs.
The request was presented by the state government to the Commission’s Indices and Disbursement Committee at its headquarters in Abuja.
Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner representing Lagos State, Professor Olusegun Adekunle Wright, said the request would be assessed in line with established guidelines, availability of funds and relevant approval procedures.
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He stressed that the review did not amount to automatic approval, noting that the Commission would examine the credibility of the state’s financial records, the feasibility and cost of proposed projects, implementation requirements and expected socio-economic benefits.
Presenting the state’s case, Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Chiamaka Nnake, said the state was facing mounting fiscal pressures from insecurity, erosion, flooding, inflation and rising public service costs.
She disclosed that Anambra, with an estimated population of 8.9 million and a projected 2026 budget of ₦766 billion, had increased its internally generated revenue from about ₦2.2 billion to ₦7.2 billion.
Nnake, however, said insecurity and sit-at-home orders had disrupted commercial activities, weakened investor confidence and affected government revenue.
She explained that part of the proposed funding would strengthen security operations through the provision of operational vehicles, surveillance and communication equipment, personnel training and improved coordination among security agencies.
On environmental challenges, the SSG disclosed that Anambra had more than 1,000 erosion sites, with 146 communities affected at varying levels.
She estimated that about ₦170 billion would be required to address identified critical erosion sites, highlighting the need for sustained investment in erosion control, flood management, road rehabilitation and land reclamation.
The state government also identified healthcare, education, agriculture, solid minerals and tourism as priority sectors requiring additional investment.
Nnake said the state’s free antenatal care and delivery programme had supported more than 206,000 deliveries, including 642 Caesarean sections, while 8,415 teachers had been recruited under efforts to expand access to education.
She added that further investment was needed to sustain these programmes and provide medical personnel, equipment, medicines, classrooms and learning materials.
On economic diversification, the SSG cited the distribution of more than 2.3 million coconut and oil-palm seedlings, stressing the need for processing facilities, storage, irrigation and improved market access to boost agricultural productivity and create jobs.
She also identified mineral resources and tourism attractions, including Agulu Lake, as opportunities to attract investment and expand the state’s revenue base.
The Commissioner representing Anambra State on the RMAFC, Dr Enefe Ekene, expressed optimism that the engagement would yield positive results, while noting that the observations from the technical session would help the state strengthen its presentation ahead of a proposed assessment visit.
The Commission says any recommendation on the ₦70 billion request will be subject to further verification, supporting financial documentation and compliance with established procedures.
