RMAFC Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Oil Host Communities, Strengthens Oversight of Petroleum Operators
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigeria’s oil-producing host communities, pledging to strengthen oversight of petroleum operators and regulatory institutions to ensure full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The assurance was given by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, during the investigative hearing of RMAFC’s Investment Monitoring Committee into the operations of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act. The hearing was held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Shehu described the exercise as a vital national assignment, stressing that RMAFC remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability and effective oversight in the management of Nigeria’s natural resource revenues.
He commended members of the Investment Monitoring Committee for their diligence and urged them to remain steadfast in ensuring that oil-producing communities receive the benefits guaranteed under the Petroleum Industry Act.
According to the Chairman, effective oversight of operators and relevant institutions is essential to strengthening public confidence in the petroleum sector and ensuring equitable development for host communities.
Leading the investigative session, Chairman of the Investment Monitoring Committee and Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Dr. Ekene Enefe, reaffirmed the Committee’s determination to ensure strict compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act.
He stated that host communities should no longer bear the environmental and social impacts of oil exploration without enjoying the developmental benefits provided under the law, adding that the Commission would continue to hold operators and regulatory agencies accountable.
The Committee expressed concern over SEEPCO’s failure to honour previous invitations to appear before it, describing compliance with lawful oversight as a critical obligation.
Addressing officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Dr. Enefe emphasised that RMAFC would continue to ensure accountability across the petroleum value chain in line with its constitutional mandate.
During the hearing, NUPRC, represented by its Director of Host Communities, Mrs. Ufondu Ejiro, outlined the Commission’s role in implementing the Host Community Development Trust framework under the Petroleum Industry Act. She maintained that the Trust had been established and managed in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Representatives of the affected host communities, however, raised concerns over community representation, consultation processes and the implementation of development projects, calling for a thorough investigation to ensure fairness and transparency.
Also contributing, Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, advocated stronger collaboration between the NUPRC and state governments to enhance compliance monitoring, improve transparency and better protect the interests of host communities.
Federal Commissioners from various states also participated in the deliberations, calling for improved regulatory oversight, stronger engagement with stakeholders and greater accountability in the implementation of host community development initiatives.
Dr. Enefe assured stakeholders that all submissions and documentary evidence presented during the hearing would be carefully reviewed before the Committee submits its findings and recommendations to the appropriate authorities.
The hearing forms part of RMAFC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, promote accountability and ensure that oil-producing host communities receive the full benefits guaranteed under the Petroleum Industry Act.
RMAFC Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Oil Host Communities, Strengthens Oversight of Petroleum Operators