RMAFC intervenes in  SEEPCO-Anambra host communities dispute

Barbara Bako, Abuja

The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has stepped in to mediate between Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and its host communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State over allegations of unfulfilled corporate social responsibility obligations...

The Commission, through its Investment Monitoring Committee, convened a high-level engagement at its headquarters in Abuja on Thursday to address concerns raised by community representatives regarding SEEPCO’s operations and its relationship with host communities.

Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Enefe, who chairs the Investment Monitoring Committee, said the session was necessary due to numerous unresolved issues between SEEPCO and the affected communities.

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He said the Commission was particularly concerned about the implications of such disputes on national revenue.

“There were so many outstanding issues that needed to be thrashed out between the Company and the host Communities following some complaints that SEEPCO was not living up to its corporate social responsibility,” he stated.

Hon. Enefe noted that ensuring stability and inclusiveness in oil-producing communities was crucial to safeguarding and growing the country’s revenue.

He questioned SEEPCO’s representative, Mr. Rajender Bhangara, on several critical issues including compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, the establishment of a Host Community Development Trust, contributions from qualifying expenditures, and how funds were being applied to infrastructure and environmental remediation.

The Committee also sought clarity on whether a proper needs assessment had been carried out in Ogbaru, the state of gas flaring in the region, evidence of flare penalty payments, and compensation for affected communities.

Hon. Enefe further raised concerns about the company’s operational logistics: “Why is the product being evacuated from Anambra to Delta State without a local flow station or farm tank?”

He demanded transparency on the gas-crude stream ratio and fulfillment of commitments under existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), particularly regarding scholarships, full-time employment for indigenes, and visible infrastructure.

Also speaking at the session, Barr. Mathew Aruviere Egharhevwa, Commissioner representing Delta State, emphasized the importance of providing a database on gas quantities explored and corresponding investments in human capital and infrastructure.

Community leaders at the meeting welcomed RMAFC’s intervention, expressing their desire for a peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship with SEEPCO.

“What we want is fairness and a sense of belonging; our people need to see real development—water, health, access roads, jobs—not just promises,” said Mr. Esumai Patrick Chukwudi, representing the Ogwu Ikpele community.

Echoing this, Hon. Vitalis Ekweanua of Ogwu Aniocha said the communities came to Abuja because of their belief in constructive dialogue.

He said, “We are not against operations; we are partners in progress, but host communities must see benefits where resources are taken.”

In response, SEEPCO’s Head of Business Development, Mr. Rajender Bhangara, appreciated the Commission for creating a platform for dialogue.

“We value this dialogue and the concerns raised; we have taken detailed notes and will return with our technical community, and operations teams to respond comprehensively,” he said.

Mr. Bhangara explained that SEEPCO’s operations within OML 143 connect Anambra field locations to existing infrastructure in Delta State, adding that all volumes of oil and gas are “monitored and accounted for through established metering and evacuation systems.”

He assured the Commission that gas flare data and environmental compliance records would be shared.

He requested a follow-up meeting to allow the company to present comprehensive responses and documentation.

All parties agreed to maintain ongoing engagement under the facilitation of RMAFC and to reconvene with full technical and community relations teams to address outstanding concerns.