The host communities welcomed the Commission’s intervention and emphasised their desire for cooperation, not confrontation.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Thursday hosted a crucial mediation meeting in Abuja between the Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and representatives of host communities from Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, amid growing tensions over unfulfilled corporate obligations.
The meeting, convened by RMAFC’s Investment Monitoring Committee at its headquarters, was aimed at addressing a litany of complaints from the host communities, who accused SEEPCO of neglecting its responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly in relation to the establishment and funding of the Host Community Development Trust.
Speaking at the session, Hon. Enefe, who chairs the Investment Monitoring Committee, stressed that the engagement was necessary due to unresolved issues with direct implications for national revenue.
“If operations take place in a stable, inclusive, and conducive host community environment,” Enefe said, “the nation can be assured of higher, safer and predictable revenue generation.”
The Commissioner questioned SEEPCO’s representative, Mr. Rajender Bhangara, on several key compliance matters, including the status of the Host Community Development Trust, details of contributions made from qualifying expenditures, and how the funds have been applied to community infrastructure and environmental remediation.
Enefe also raised concerns about gas flaring in the Ogbaru axis, requesting evidence of flare penalty payments to the government and compensation to the affected communities. He sought clarification on the company’s metering system for flared volumes and pressed for explanations on why petroleum products were being evacuated from Anambra to Delta State without any local flow stations or farm tanks.
“The community needs transparency—not just on paper,” Enefe said. “We want to see tangible evidence of SEEPCO’s commitment to both the environment and the people.”
He further demanded a breakdown of the gas versus crude oil production ratio and details of any payments made under existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including scholarships, full-time skilled employment for indigenes, and visible infrastructure delivered in the communities.
Barr. Mathew Aruviere Egharhevwa, RMAFC Commissioner representing Delta State, reinforced these concerns by calling on SEEPCO to present a comprehensive database detailing the quantity of gas exploration activities and investments made in human capital and infrastructure.
The host communities welcomed the Commission’s intervention and emphasised their desire for cooperation, not confrontation.
“What we want is fairness and a sense of belonging,” said Mr. Esumai Patrick Chukwudi of Ogwu Ikpele. “Our people need to see real development—water, health care, access roads, jobs—not just promises.”
Another community representative, Hon. Vitalis Ekweanua of Ogwu Aniocha, stressed that the communities were not against SEEPCO’s operations but demanded inclusive growth. “We came to Abuja because we believe in dialogue. We are partners in progress, but host communities must see benefits where resources are taken.”
In response, SEEPCO’s Head of Business Development, Mr. Bhangara, acknowledged the concerns and commended the Commission for creating the forum. He assured participants that SEEPCO was committed to addressing the issues and would return with its technical and community relations teams for a comprehensive response.
“We value this dialogue,” Bhangara said. “We have taken detailed notes and will engage further with all stakeholders. Our operations link Anambra field locations to existing infrastructure in Delta State, and all volumes are monitored through established systems. We will make our records available.”
Bhangara requested additional time to compile the relevant documents and data, including environmental compliance and gas flare reports, for a follow-up session.
At the end of the meeting, all parties agreed to continue the engagement process under the facilitation of RMAFC. A date for the next round of discussions is to be scheduled, with full participation from both SEEPCO’s technical teams and the community representatives.