- Oil and gas verification in the Niger Delta strengthens transparency and fairness in revenue allocation.
- The verification will reduce disputes, safeguard the federation account, and ensure states receive rightful shares.
Oil and gas verification in the Niger Delta has begun under the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Launched on September 22 in Asaba, the exercise aims to resolve disputes and ensure fairer revenue sharing.
The project is being led by a technical team that includes officials from the Surveyor General’s Office, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the National Boundary Commission.
RMAFC Chairman, Dr Muhammed Bello Shehu, said the team will use accurate data to confirm oil and gas wells ownership. He stressed that this method will boost transparency and reduce disputes among states. The committee will review disputed assets, including the Aneize oil field in OML 143 and the Eyine and Ameshi fields. In addition, the team will map new wells that have been drilled since 2017.
Shehu noted that several governors, including those from Delta, Imo, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, and Anambra, requested this exercise. He explained that the process aligns with the 1999 Constitution, which empowers RMAFC to monitor the federation account.
The verification will also cover Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, and Anambra. State Surveyor-Generals will observe the validation of geospatial data. Shehu emphasised that every oil-producing state must receive its rightful share. This will promote peace and protect the integrity of the federation account.
Overall, the verification marks a strategic and proactive step. It addresses tensions in the Niger Delta, ensures fair distribution, and supports stability in future oil and gas exploration.