Abuja: The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) cautions Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) to abide by the commission's mandates and ensure effective cooperation with its host communities. Mr. Ekene Enefe, Chairman, RMAFC, Investment Monitoring Committee, issued the warning during a meeting with officials from SEEPCO and its host communities in Anambra.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, other officials such as Orient Petroleum (OPR), Cotton Wooden Gas Ltd., and Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) were present at the meeting. Representatives of the host communities of Ogwu-Ikpele in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra and Ugwu Aniocha in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta also attended.
Enefe, who is also the Commissioner representing Anambra in the commission, recalled that on July 17, 2025, the commission invited SEEPCO and the host communities to discuss unresolved issues. He stated that SEEPCO requested more time to provide detailed answers and documents. The issues involved were related to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Social Impact Assessments (SIAs), and community compensation, which were agreed upon by both SEEPCO and the host communities.
The commissioner emphasized that SEEPCO was expected to adhere to Nigerian laws and regulations regarding community compensation. He noted, "I believe the company has put the details of the unresolved issues in order, as the representative requested during the last meeting. Now, the committee wants to confirm if gas flaring penalties are being paid into the federation account."
Enefe highlighted that SEEPCO needs to ensure effective cooperation with the host communities, stating, "From all indications, SEEPCO is not really doing the right thing." The RMAFC also invited NUPRC as a supervising agency to strengthen the review.
Mr. Emmanuel Ajang, representing SEEPCO, stated that the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) had been duly incorporated with NUPRC approval and registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). He added that management and advisory committees have been constituted and that payments of three percent operating expenses for 2021 and 2022 were made. Ajang explained that the delay in the 2023 payment was due to a joint review with the NUPRC, but approval has now been granted.
Mr. Patric Esumai, President-General of Ogwu-Ikpele Community, contested SEEPCO's claim about the commencement year of operations, stating it began in 2016, not 2019. He also mentioned that the road constructed by SEEPCO only served one operational point and did not benefit the community. Esumai appealed for an oversight verification visit to confirm the true situation.
Mr. Abdulazeez King, Commissioner representing Kogi in the commission, underscored the challenging conditions of host communities across the Niger Delta area. He stressed the need for accountability from SEEPCO and other operators, noting that reports of executed projects often did not translate into real benefits for the communities.
Mr. Iyke Akuezumba, representing Orient Petroleum (OPR) and Cotton Wooden Gas Ltd., mentioned that the commission's invitation did not specify the issues to be discussed, which left him unprepared. However, he assured that the companies are working closely with NUPRC to ensure adherence to mandates.
Dr. Mohammed Shehu, Chairman of RMAFC, encouraged oil companies to demonstrate mutual cooperation and commitment in executing their social responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of smooth revenue flow to the federation account in the absence of crisis.
Mr. Enorense Amadasu, Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, NUPRC, assured the committee that the group tracks every molecule of hydrocarbon produced in Nigeria, ensuring no volume is left untracked.