Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has expressed readiness to work with relevant stakeholders to develop a sustainable and transparent framework for the disbursement and utilisation of the 13 per cent derivation fund allocated to oil-producing states.
Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, said the matter requires a delicate balance between constitutional provisions, judicial interpretations, and state-level management.
Shehu made the remarks when he received a delegation from the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), led by its Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said the Commission remains committed to ensuring that host communities in Nigeria’s oil and gas-producing areas receive fair and transparent benefits as provided by the Constitution.
He commended HOSCON for adopting a peaceful and consultative approach toward addressing issues of resource allocation and environmental justice in oil-producing areas.
He said: “Without the peace and cooperation of the host communities, the exploration and production of oil and gas in Nigeria would not be possible”.
During the interactive session, the Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaeze, assured that RMAFC will continue to uphold fairness and transparency, adding that the advocacy efforts of host communities “will not be in vain.”
Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor, described HOSCON’s presentation as timely and insightful, calling for closer collaboration between host communities and key institutions to develop practical monitoring mechanisms for the 13 per cent derivation fund.
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Also speaking, Hon. Nkechi Otti, Federal Commissioner representing Abia State, urged host communities to protect projects funded through the derivation fund from vandalism, noting that such protection would ensure the sustainability of state-funded initiatives.
Federal Commissioner representing Gombe State, Hon. Mohammed Kabeer Usman, ueged HOSCON to pursue its advocacy through dialogue and legal processes. “Achieving results requires engaging the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and State Governments, not confrontation,” he advised.
Similarly, Hon. Ibrahim Sa’ad Bello, Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State, said there is a need for a clear constitutional framework to ensure that funds meant for host communities reach the grassroots.
In his contribution, Hon. Imoh Akpan Effiong, Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, appreciated HOSCON for its constructive engagement and assured that the Commission would carefully review the group’s submissions and take necessary steps toward developing a lasting framework for host community inclusion.
The Technical Assistant to the Chairman, Prof. Aliyu Idris, commended HOSCON for engaging through institutional channels and advised the group to submit a memorandum to the National Assembly proposing a constitutional management framework for the 13 percent derivation. He explained that embedding such a framework in the Constitution would make compliance mandatory for all state governments.
In his remarks, HOSCON National Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, described the engagement as “a new dawn for the long-neglected communities that lay the golden egg.” He lamented that despite contributing significantly to the nation’s wealth, host communities continue to face marginalization.
