The Nigerian Government has officially flagged off the plotting of coordinates for disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells across affected oil-producing states.
The exercise, which marks a critical milestone in the verification process, was initiated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) as part of efforts to resolve long-standing disputes over the locations of oil and gas wells.
Speaking at the event held in Abuja, the Chairman of the RMAFC, Dr Mohammed Shehu, underscored the constitutional mandate of the Commission as outlined in Paragraph 32(a) of Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution.
He noted that the mandate empowers the Commission to monitor the accruals and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account, including ensuring the equitable distribution of the 13 percent Derivation Fund to oil and gas-producing states.
“The verification of coordinates is a critical step in ensuring that oil-producing states receive the fair and accurate allocation of resources that they are entitled to. This event signifies our unwavering commitment to resolving all disputes in a transparent and equitable manner,” Dr Shehu stated.
He further emphasised the need for cooperation among all stakeholders, urging representatives of the affected states to participate actively in the plotting of the verified coordinates.
“It is essential that all parties engage fully to ensure that the process remains transparent and that the final outcome is mutually acceptable. We stand as an unbiased umpire, committed to fairness and justice,” he said.
Dr Shehu also expressed appreciation to the oil-producing states for their support throughout the Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC) verification process.
He noted that the successful implementation of the exercise was made possible through strong inter-agency collaboration.
The event recorded the participation of representatives from the National Boundary Commission (NBC), the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Together with the RMAFC, these agencies make up the IATC responsible for verifying, plotting, and resolving disputes over oil and gas well locations.
The plotting of the coordinates is expected to provide accurate mapping of disputed and newly drilled wells, facilitate the resolution of location disputes, and ensure that rightful beneficiary states are properly recognised.
The development is expected to enhance the peaceful and equitable management of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources, which remain a major contributor to the national economy.
As the exercise continues over the coming days, the RMAFC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fairness, equity, and transparency in Nigeria’s oil revenue distribution system.