By Vivian Emoni
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting oil and gas host communities through stronger oversight of operators’ statutory obligations.
RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Shehu, gave the assurance on Thursday during an investigative hearing into Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) operations.
The hearing examined implementation of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
It also reviewed issues relating to SEEPCO’s operations in Anambra host communities, including community development obligations and other related matters.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SEEPCO was absent from the hearing in spite of previous invitations issued by the committee.
The commission, however, granted the company one week to appear before the committee and respond to issues raised during the investigation.
Shehu said the commission remained committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and protection of host communities’ interests across the extractive sector.
He described the investigation as a critical national assignment requiring dedication and diligence from members of the Investment Monitoring Committee.
“The commission remains committed to transparency, accountability and protection of host communities’ interests,” Shehu said.
He commended committee members for their commitment in spite of challenges encountered while carrying out the assignment.
According to him, the exercise aligns with RMAFC’s constitutional mandate to monitor revenue-related matters within Nigeria’s extractive industries.
Chairman of the committee, Dr Ekene Enefe, said host communities must enjoy all benefits guaranteed under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Enefe said the committee would ensure operators complied fully with provisions of the law and fulfilled all obligations to host communities.
“The committee’s investigation is aimed at determining whether statutory HCDT contributions are fully remitted and reaching affected communities.
“The committee is established to enforce compliance and ensure intended benefits reach the communities concerned,” he said.
Enefe expressed concern over SEEPCO’s continued absence in spite of repeated invitations extended to the company by the committee.
He said meaningful engagement with the operator was essential to resolving outstanding issues relating to host community obligations and corporate social responsibility commitments.
According to him, SEEPCO’s appearance is necessary for resolving unresolved matters affecting host communities and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
Enefe urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to ensure the company honoured the committee’s invitation.
“All operators must fulfil their statutory obligations to host communities and the federation,” he said.
Mrs Ufondu Ejiro, Director of Host Communities at NUPRC, also made submissions before the committee during the hearing.
Ejiro said NUPRC was established by the Petroleum Industry Act and operates strictly within the framework of the law.
“The administration of host community development is bound by the Petroleum Industry Act and its regulations,” she said.
She, however, assured the committee that SEEPCO would honour its invitation and participate in the ongoing investigation.
Anambra Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof Charles Ofoegbu, also presented issues affecting host communities in the state.
Ofoegbu stressed the importance of sustained engagement among stakeholders to ensure unresolved matters were addressed appropriately.
Legal representative of the affected communities, Mr Peter Chukwudi, outlined their concerns and expectations before the committee.
Chukwudi said operators must comply with both the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and the commission’s constitutional mandate.
The committee also received a preliminary forensic assessment on statutory HCDT contributions from its consultant during the hearing.
The hearing forms part of RMAFC’s efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act nationwide. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VOE/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo