The Federal Government has launched a verification exercise of disputed and newly drilled crude oil and gas fields across the Niger Delta, aimed at resolving ownership claims and ensuring fair revenue allocation to producing states.
Dr. Mohammed Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), announced the move during a press briefing in Asaba. He said the exercise is backed by law under paragraph 32(a), Part I of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“We reaffirm our commitment to accurately identify the locations of crude oil and gas fields and wells within the disputed areas and the newly drilled wells. This exercise will ensure transparency, fairness, and equitable disbursement of the 13% derivation fund to the rightful states,” Shehu stated.
The commission highlighted key disputes involving states such as Anambra, Imo, and Delta, particularly over ownership of the Aneize field in OML 143 and the Eyine and Ameshi fields. The verification will extend to Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, and Ondo, all of which have raised ownership claims.
According to Shehu, the verification will rely on geospatial data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), validated with support from the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) and the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
He stressed that the initiative would address long-standing disputes, reduce tensions among oil-producing states, and safeguard the integrity of the federation account.
“Every oil-producing state deserves its rightful share,” Shehu added. “This measure will foster stability and create a more conducive environment for continued exploration and development in the region.”
The exercise is being carried out by an Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC) made up of RMAFC, NUPRC, OSGOF, and NBC representatives.
