RMAFC Begins Verification of Disputed Oil and Gas Fields in Niger Delta

Maryam Aminu

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has launched a verification exercise on disputed and newly drilled crude oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in resource allocation.

The exercise, which began on Monday, September 22, in Asaba, Delta State, is being conducted by an Inter-Agency Technical Committee comprising officers from the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the National Boundary Commission, under the leadership of RMAFC.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu (OFR), said the move was prompted by petitions from the governors of Anambra, Delta, Imo, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers States seeking to establish rightful ownership and territorial boundaries of specific oil and gas assets.

He explained that the verification would cover the Aneize oil field within OML 143, the Eyine and Ameshi fields, and newly drilled wells from 2017 to date.

According to him, the exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of RMAFC under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to monitor revenue accruals and ensure accurate disbursement from the Federation Account.

“The initiative is essential to ensure that every oil and gas producing state receives its rightful share of the resources, reduce disputes, and safeguard the integrity of the federation account,” Dr. Shehu said.

He disclosed that the exercise would be extended to Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, and Anambra States and would rely on validated geospatial data provided by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Surveyor-Generals of the affected states will also participate in the process.

Dr. Shehu stressed that the verification was aimed at resolving long-standing disputes and ensuring equitable distribution of the 13 per cent derivation fund among oil-producing states.

“By promoting transparency and fairness, we are laying the groundwork for a more stable and conducive environment for continued exploration and development across the region,” he added.