RMAFC pledges ongoing support for Oil & Gas host communities

Barbara Bako, Abuja.

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s oil and gas host communities receive fair and transparent benefits in line with constitutional provisions.

Dr. Shehu made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), led by its National Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, at RMAFC’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

He commended HOSCON for its peaceful and consultative approach to resource allocation and environmental justice, stressing that “without the peace and cooperation of the host communities, the exploration and production of oil and gas in Nigeria would not be possible.”

The Chairman assured the delegation that the Commission would review their position paper and work with stakeholders to develop sustainable frameworks for transparency and fairness in the disbursement and utilization of the 13% derivation fund, noting the need to balance constitutional provisions, judicial interpretations, and state-level management.

Prince Emuh described the engagement as “a new dawn for the long-neglected communities that lay the golden egg,” highlighting the persistent marginalization of resource-producing areas.

Federal commissioners attending the session also weighed in. Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor of Rivers State called for closer collaboration to monitor the 13% derivation fund effectively, while Hon. Nkechi Otti of Abia State urged communities to protect funded projects from vandalism.

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Hon. Mohammed Kabeer Usman of Gombe State encouraged advocacy through dialogue and legal instruments, and Hon. Ibrahim Sa’ad Bello of Plateau State emphasized the need for a clear constitutional framework to ensure funds reach the grassroots.

Hon. Imoh Akpan Effiong of Akwa Ibom State assured the Commission would take steps toward a lasting framework for host community inclusion.

The Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaeze, reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to fairness and transparency, while Prof. Aliyu Idris, Technical Assistant to the Chairman, advised HOSCON to submit a memorandum to the National Assembly proposing a constitutional framework for the 13% derivation fund to ensure mandatory compliance by all states.

The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to strengthening host community engagement in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.