The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has launched a comprehensive verification exercise of disputed and newly drilled oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta region.
The initiative, spearheaded by RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Shehu, began on Monday with a field visit to the Aneize Oil Field in Okpai, Delta State. According to Shehu, the exercise was prompted by a series of formal petitions from several state governments over boundary disputes and rightful ownership of oil assets.
“This verification exercise is crucial to resolving long-standing boundary disputes and ensuring fair revenue allocation,” Dr. Shehu stated during the inspection.
Inter-Agency Committee Established
To support the process, RMAFC, in collaboration with key federal agencies, inaugurated an Inter-Agency Technical Committee. The committee includes representatives from:
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF)
National Boundary Commission
RMAFC
The committee’s mandate includes identifying and verifying the precise locations and coordinates of both existing and newly drilled oil and gas wells within contested areas.
“Our mission is to provide an accurate, transparent, and constitutionally-backed assessment of these oil fields to ensure equity among oil-producing states,” Shehu added.
Constitutional Backing
Dr. Shehu cited Paragraph 32 (a), Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers RMAFC to monitor accruals to and disbursements from the Federation Account, including revenue from oil and gas resources.
He noted that concerns raised by the Governors of Anambra, Imo, and Delta States—particularly over fields such as Aneize (OML 143), Eyine, and Ameshi—necessitated the urgent review.
Geospatial Mapping and Data Verification
The verification will rely on geospatial data supplied by NUPRC, which will be validated and plotted in real-time. State Surveyor-Generals will also be present to observe the process, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
“The core objective is to guarantee a fair and data-driven distribution of oil revenue, especially the constitutionally mandated 13% derivation fund,” Shehu said.
Expanded Scope Across Oil-Producing States
The exercise will not be limited to Delta State. The Committee plans to extend its activities to other oil-producing states, including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, and others.
“We are committed to resolving every legitimate complaint and petition submitted by these states. Accurate mapping of oil assets is a strategic move to reduce inter-state tensions and protect the Federation Account,” Shehu emphasized.
Strategic Importance
RMAFC believes that this proactive initiative will play a pivotal role in ending recurring disputes among oil-producing states and ensure each receives its rightful share of national oil revenues.
