FG Moves to Verify Disputed Oil, Gas Fields in Niger Delta
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Federal Government has commenced the verification of disputed and newly drilled crude oil and gas fields and wells in the Niger Delta region, in a move aimed at ensuring accurate revenue allocation and resolving ownership disputes among oil-producing states.
Exercise Backed by the Constitution
Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Bello Shehu, explained that the exercise aligns with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), citing Paragraph 32(a), Part I of the Third Schedule.
He noted that the initiative was triggered by petitions from governors of Anambra, Delta, Imo, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers states over the rightful ownership and territorial boundaries of specific crude oil and gas assets.
Technical Committee Inaugurated
The verification will be conducted by an Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC), comprising representatives from the RMAFC, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF), and the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
“We announce the inauguration of the IATC and reaffirm our commitment to accurately identify the locations of crude oil and gas fields and wells within disputed areas and newly drilled sites,” Shehu said.
Focus on Disputed Fields
Shehu highlighted that disputes such as those involving Anambra-Imo and Anambra-Delta boundaries remain a priority. He specifically mentioned the Aneize oil field within OML 143, as well as the Eyine and Ameshi fields, noting that coordinates of newly drilled wells between 2017 and 2025 will be examined.
According to him, geospatial data provided by the NUPRC will guide the process, while state Surveyor-Generals will monitor to ensure transparency and accuracy.
Ensuring Fair Revenue Sharing
Shehu emphasized that the ultimate goal of the verification is to guarantee a fair and transparent allocation of oil revenue, ensuring that the 13 percent derivation fund is distributed equitably among the rightful oil-producing states.
“This initiative will reduce tension, resolve long-standing disputes, and safeguard the integrity of the federation account,” he said, stressing that transparency and fairness are key to promoting stability and continued exploration in the Niger Delta.
