By Vivian Emoni
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that host communities in oil and gas-producing areas, receive fair benefits in the country.
Chairman of the RMAFC, Dr Mohammed Shehu, made this known, when he received a delegation from the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), in Abuja.
He commended HOSCON for its peaceful approach in addressing issues of resource allocation and environmental justice in oil-producing areas.
Shehu assured that the commission will study HOSCON’s position paper, and work with stakeholders to develop a transparent framework for disbursing and utilising the 13 per cent derivation fund.
Meanwhile, HOSCON Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, expressed appreciation to the commission, describing the engagement as a new dawn for neglected host communities.
On his part, secretary of the commission, Mr Joseph Nwaeze, also reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to fairness and urged HOSCON to pursue legislative backing for the 13 per cent derivation framework.
He called for strong collaboration, dialogue and constitutional reforms, to strengthen inclusion of host communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sandra Umeh
