The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reviewed Anambra State’s request for ₦70 billion from the Stabilisation Fund to address critical challenges in security, infrastructure, environmental management and other priority sectors of its economy.
The request was presented by the state government during a technical session of the Commission’s Indices and Disbursement Committee at its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Chairman of the committee and Honourable Commissioner representing Lagos State, Prof. Olusegun Adekunle Wright, acknowledged the state government’s initiative in presenting its financial challenges and development priorities for consideration.
Wright explained that the Stabilisation Fund was designed as an important fiscal intervention mechanism to provide assistance in deserving circumstances, subject to established guidelines, availability of resources and the required approval processes.
He emphasised that requesting states must make formal presentations before the Commission before any on-the-spot assessment of proposed projects could be conducted.
According to him, the committee would scrutinise the credibility of the state’s financial records, the feasibility and estimated costs of proposed projects, implementation requirements and their expected socioeconomic benefits.
He, however, clarified that the technical review did not amount to automatic approval, noting that the request would undergo further scrutiny and verification before possible recommendations could be presented to the Commission’s plenary.
Presenting the state’s case, the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Chiamaka Nnake, outlined its economic profile, revenue performance, expenditure pressures and development priorities.
She disclosed that Anambra had 21 local government areas and 179 communities, with an estimated population of 8.9 million people and a gross domestic product valued at approximately $12.7 billion.
Nnake also put the state’s projected 2026 budget at ₦766 billion, adding that its internally generated revenue had increased from about ₦2.2 billion to approximately ₦7.2 billion.
She identified Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, alongside petroleum-producing areas, as major drivers of the state’s commercial and industrial activities.
However, she listed insecurity, erosion, flooding, inflation and rising public service costs among the challenges placing considerable pressure on the state’s finances.
The SSG further explained that sit-at-home orders and restrictions on movement had disrupted commercial activities, reduced government revenue and weakened investor confidence.
Security, Environmental Challenges Top Priorities
On security, Nnake highlighted measures introduced by the state government, including the enactment of a Homeland Security Law, establishment of a state security outfit and collaboration through a joint task force.
She said additional funding would strengthen security operations through the procurement of operational vehicles, surveillance and communication equipment, personnel training and improved coordination among security agencies.
According to her, the interventions would help protect lives and property, restore investor confidence and stimulate economic activities across the state.
Addressing environmental challenges, Nnake disclosed that Anambra had more than 1,000 erosion sites, with 146 communities affected at varying levels.
She estimated that approximately ₦170 billion would be required to address identified critical erosion sites.
The SSG listed ongoing and proposed interventions to include erosion control, flood management, road rehabilitation, land reclamation, waterway clearance and tree planting.
She also highlighted restrictions on sand mining around vulnerable areas, appealing for additional resources to protect communities, public infrastructure and livelihoods from environmental degradation.
Free Healthcare, Education Increase Spending Needs
On healthcare and education, Nnake highlighted the state’s free antenatal care and delivery programme, which she said had supported more than 206,000 deliveries, including 642 Caesarean sections, at no cost to beneficiaries.
She also disclosed that the government had recruited 8,415 teachers and introduced free education from nursery school to Senior Secondary School Three.
While describing the initiatives as important investments in human capital development, she noted that they had increased demand for medical personnel, equipment, medicines, classrooms, learning materials and other essential public services.
She stressed the need for sustained investment to maintain service quality and expand access to healthcare and education.
Anambra Seeks Investment in Agriculture, Solid Minerals
The SSG identified agriculture as a major opportunity for economic diversification, disclosing that the state had distributed more than 2.3 million coconut and oil-palm seedlings.
She called for investments in processing facilities, storage infrastructure, irrigation, cold-chain systems and market access to improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and create employment opportunities.
Nnake also highlighted the state’s solid mineral resources, including kaolin, bentonite, lignite, silica sand, gypsum and laterite, as well as petroleum-related opportunities.
She said geological surveys, processing facilities and supporting infrastructure would be necessary to attract investors and unlock the economic potential of the resources.
Tourism was another sector identified as capable of generating employment, attracting investment and increasing government revenue.
Citing Agulu Lake and other natural and heritage attractions, Nnake said improved access roads, visitor facilities and supporting infrastructure would help position Anambra as a more attractive tourism destination.
State Seeks ₦70bn to Strengthen Economic Resilience
Summarising the request, Nnake said the proposed ₦70 billion intervention would support priority projects across security, environmental management, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, solid minerals and tourism.
She explained that the assistance would complement existing government investments, sustain essential public services, protect livelihoods, improve investor confidence and promote a more diversified and resilient state economy.
In his closing remarks, the Honourable Commissioner representing Anambra State on the Commission,
Dr. Enefe Ekene, thanked the committee chairman for presiding over the session and commended fellow commissioners for their patience, critical observations and contributions.
He also appreciated the committee secretariat for its guidance and support, noting that the feedback received would enable the state delegation to refine and strengthen its presentation ahead of the proposed visit to Anambra.
Enefe expressed optimism that the engagement would produce positive outcomes for the state.
The committee reiterated that its consideration of the request would be guided by supporting financial documentation, project feasibility, estimated costs, implementation requirements and anticipated benefits.
It stressed that any recommendation arising from the review would remain subject to further verification and compliance with the relevant procedures.
The press release was signed by Umar Maryam Yusuf, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit of RMAFC, on October 21, 2026
