The Federal Government, through the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has commenced the verification of disputed and newly drilled oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta region.
Leading the exercise on Monday at the Aneize oil field in Okpai, Delta State, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, said the move became necessary following petitions from several states over the locations of oil and gas wells.
Shehu explained that the RMAFC, working with sister agencies, had set up an Inter-Agency Technical Committee tasked with accurately identifying the positions of crude oil and gas fields within disputed territories as well as verifying newly drilled wells.
“The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, in collaboration with the sister agencies, embarked on this important inspection with a view to addressing boundary issues. We are reaffirming our unwavering commitment to accurately identifying the locations of crude oil and gas fields and wells within the disputed areas and the newly drilled crude oil and gas wells,” Shehu said.
The verification exercise is expected to play a key role in resolving disputes between oil-producing states and ensuring fair revenue allocation from petroleum resources in the region.
