Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa has reiterated the need for a fair and improved revenue allocation for Lagos State while participating in the Stakeholders’ Engagement for the 2026 National Data Verification Exercise organised by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
Epe Insights reports that the engagement brought together government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss issues surrounding fiscal transparency, accurate national data verification, and equitable revenue distribution across the country.
The forum also provided an avenue for states to present concerns and recommendations regarding the current revenue allocation structure.
Speaking during the session, Hon. Olowa stressed that Lagos State deserves greater consideration in national revenue allocation due to its strategic economic importance, rapidly increasing population, and the enormous infrastructural responsibilities placed on the state.
He explained that Lagos continues to serve as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, making it necessary for federal allocations to adequately reflect the realities and demands facing the state.
Hon. Olowa further noted that the state government and local councils remain committed to initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and effective fiscal management.
According to him, accurate data verification is essential for ensuring fairness in the distribution of national resources and improving developmental planning across all levels of government.
The council chairman also assured the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission of the total support and cooperation of all Local Governments in Lagos State throughout the verification exercise.
He stated that local councils across the state are prepared to provide the necessary collaboration required for a smooth and successful process.
He expressed optimism that the 2026 National Data Verification Exercise would further strengthen the case for Lagos State to secure a fairer and more improved allocation that reflects its contributions to national growth and development.
Hon. Olowa described the exercise as a major step toward strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal system and ensuring that resource allocation is based on accurate and verifiable data.
He added that improved collaboration between federal agencies, state governments, and local authorities would help drive sustainable development and better service delivery to citizens.
Stakeholders at the engagement also emphasized the importance of reliable data in national planning, noting that credible verification exercises remain critical to promoting transparency, accountability, and equity in the country’s revenue-sharing process.
