The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that host communities in Nigeria’s oil and gas-producing regions receive fair, transparent, and constitutionally backed benefits.
Dr. Shehu gave the assurance, while receiving a delegation from the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), led by its National Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
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Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Shehu commended HOSCON for its peaceful and constructive approach to addressing resource allocation and environmental justice concerns in oil-producing areas.
He stressed the importance of genuine collaboration, noting that “without the peace and cooperation of the host communities, the exploration and production of oil and gas in Nigeria would not be possible.”
He assured the group that the Commission would carefully review their position paper and consult with relevant stakeholders to develop a sustainable framework for improving transparency and equity in the disbursement and utilization of the 13% derivation fund.
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“The issue involves a delicate balance between constitutional provisions, judicial interpretations, and state-level management,” Dr. Shehu added.
HOSCON Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, expressed appreciation for the Commission’s warm reception, describing the meeting as “a new dawn for the long-neglected communities that lay the golden egg.”
He lamented that despite contributing significantly to national revenue, host communities remain marginalized.
During the interactive session, several Federal Commissioners commended HOSCON’s engagement and made recommendations for strengthening accountability in managing derivation funds.
Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor, representing Rivers State, described the HOSCON presentation as timely and insightful, calling for stronger collaboration between host communities and key institutions to create practical monitoring mechanisms for the 13% derivation fund.
Hon. Nkechi Otti, representing Abia State, urged host communities to protect state-funded projects financed through the derivation fund to safeguard them from vandalism.
Hon. Mohammed Kabeer Usman, representing Gombe State, encouraged HOSCON to sustain its advocacy through dialogue and legal frameworks, emphasizing that meaningful progress requires engagement with the National Assembly, Judiciary, and state governments.
Hon. Ibrahim Sa’ad Bello, representing Plateau State, highlighted the need for a clear constitutional structure to ensure that funds meant for host communities reach the grassroots.
Hon. Imoh Akpan Effiong, representing Akwa Ibom State, expressed appreciation for HOSCON’s constructive approach and assured that the Commission would thoroughly review their submissions to establish a sustainable framework for host community inclusion.
The Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaeze, reaffirmed RMAFC’s dedication to fairness and transparency, assuring the delegation that their advocacy efforts would receive due consideration.
Also speaking, the Technical Assistant to the Chairman, Prof. Aliyu Idris, commended HOSCON for engaging through the appropriate institutional channels.
He advised the group to submit a memorandum to the National Assembly proposing a constitutional management framework for the 13% derivation fund, noting that such a legal provision would compel compliance by all state governments.