The Federal Government has commenced a major verification exercise to resolve long-standing disputes over crude oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta.
The initiative seeks to determine the rightful ownership of disputed and newly drilled wells, ensuring that producing states receive accurate revenue allocations.
Dr. Mohammed Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, announced the exercise in Asaba.
He explained that the decision aligns with constitutional provisions that empower the commission to monitor revenue accruals and oversee disbursement from the Federation Account.
According to Shehu, governors from Anambra, Delta, Imo, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers States had submitted petitions contesting ownership and boundary claims over specific oil and gas assets. “This initiative is designed to accurately identify the locations of crude oil and gas wells and settle disputes fairly,” he said.
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The verification is being conducted by an Inter-Agency Technical Committee, which includes representatives from the RMAFC, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, and the National Boundary Commission.
Shehu stated that key areas under review include the Aneize oil field within Oil Mining Lease 143, as well as the Eyine and Ameshi fields.
In Delta State, the committee will verify the coordinates of wells drilled since 2017. The process will be extended to Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, and Anambra in line with reported complaints.
The RMAFC boss stressed that the verification would depend heavily on geospatial data supplied by the NUPRC. The data will be validated and physically plotted, with the surveyors-general of the affected states overseeing the process to guarantee transparency.
At the heart of the exercise is the equitable distribution of the 13 per cent derivation fund, which is a constitutional entitlement of oil-producing states. “By obtaining precise data, we can ensure fairness and transparency in revenue allocation while reducing tensions between states,” Shehu said.
He added that the exercise was a proactive step by the Federal Government to safeguard the Federation Account and prevent disputes that could undermine stability in the region.
Boundary disputes over oil and gas assets have historically caused tension among Niger Delta states, delaying development projects and straining intergovernmental relations.
The latest verification effort is expected to lay the groundwork for smoother exploration, investment, and sustainable development in the oil-rich region.
Shehu emphasised that the initiative also aims to build trust among stakeholders by promoting accuracy, fairness, and peace. “This is about ensuring that every producing state receives its rightful share, reducing disputes, and creating a conducive environment for continued exploration and growth,” he said.
NAN
