The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has called on oil companies to show greater commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their host communities, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, gave the charge during a meeting with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), Orient Petroleum, and their host communities in Anambra State. The meeting, held on Friday in Abuja, was also attended by officials of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Shehu said the forum was convened following complaints of neglect by communities, stressing that the Commission would act as an impartial mediator. “We expect oil companies to meet their obligations to the people in whose communities they operate,” he said.
The Chairman of RMAFC’s Investment Monitoring Committee, Hon. Ekene Enefe, who presided over the session, expressed dissatisfaction with SEEPCO’s performance on community development. He directed the company to submit audited reports of its statutory 3% host community expenditure and warned that oversight visits would be carried out to verify claims.
Representatives of Ogwu Ikpele and Ogwu Aniocha communities, led by Mr. Esumai Patrick, lamented years of neglect and demanded visible projects such as roads, electricity, schools, and jobs. “We welcome investment, but what we ask is fairness,” Patrick said.
In response, SEEPCO’s representative, Barr. Emmanuel Ajang, assured that the firm had begun implementing its Host Community Development Trust. Orient Petroleum’s delegate, Engr. Ayke Akuwezumba, added that the company had shifted focus to gas production in partnership with Cottonwooden Gas Refinery.
NUPRC’s Executive Commissioner for Development and Production, Mr. Enorense Amadasu, noted that the regulator was monitoring oil firms to ensure both statutory remittances and community projects were delivered.
Other RMAFC Commissioners present stressed the need for accurate reporting of crude production and proper accountability in community development.
