Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, chairman of Abaji Area Council, pledged on Tuesday that his council will fully support the ongoing population data verification being carried out by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The commitment was expressed during a meeting with a commission delegation led by its FCT representative, Ambassador Ayuba Ngbako, who arrived for a field verification visit.
Key points from the encounter include:
- The verification exercise was described by Chairman Abdullahi as “timely” because the council’s communities have experienced steady population growth over recent years.
- The RMAFC previously gathered baseline data in 2022; the current round focuses on validating and updating those records to improve accuracy.
- Ambassador Ngbako emphasized that reliable population figures are essential for effective planning, budgeting, and development initiatives at the local level.
- The commission requested logistical assistance and cooperation from council staff to ensure the smooth execution of the verification process.
- Chairman Abdullahi reiterated his administration’s readiness to work closely with the commission to achieve the exercise’s objectives.
What is the aim of the verification exercise?
The RMAFC’s data verification drive seeks to confirm the existing population statistics for each community within the council, correct any discrepancies, and produce up‑to‑date figures that can be used for fiscal allocation, infrastructure planning, and service delivery. Accurate data also helps the federal government distribute resources more equitably across the FCT.
Why is the exercise considered timely?
Abdullahi noted that demographic shifts, including natural increase and migration, have altered the size of settlements since the last census‑type activity in 2022. Updated numbers will therefore reflect the current reality on the ground, allowing the council to align its development projects with actual needs.
How will the council facilitate the process?
The chairman’s chief press secretary, Abubakar Mohammed, said the council will provide transport, accommodation, and administrative support to the RMAFC team. Council officials are also expected to grant the commission access to local records and assist field officers in reaching remote villages.
The collaboration between Abaji Area Council and the RMAFC underscores the importance of reliable demographic data for effective governance. Both parties expressed optimism that the verification will be completed efficiently, paving the way for better‑informed policy decisions and resource allocation in the Federal Capital Territory.