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By Vivian Emoni<\/p>\n
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The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting oil and gas host communities through stronger oversight of operators\u2019 statutory obligations.<\/p>\n
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RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Shehu, gave the assurance on Thursday during an investigative hearing into Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) operations.<\/p>\n
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The hearing examined implementation of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).<\/p>\n
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It also reviewed issues relating to SEEPCO\u2019s operations in Anambra host communities, including community development obligations and other related matters.<\/p>\n
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SEEPCO was absent from the hearing in spite of previous invitations issued by the committee.<\/p>\n
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The commission, however, granted the company one week to appear before the committee and respond to issues raised during the investigation.<\/p>\n
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Shehu said the commission remained committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and protection of host communities\u2019 interests across the extractive sector.<\/p>\n
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He described the investigation as a critical national assignment requiring dedication and diligence from members of the Investment Monitoring Committee.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe commission remains committed to transparency, accountability and protection of host communities\u2019 interests,\u201d Shehu said.<\/p>\n
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He commended committee members for their commitment in spite of challenges encountered while carrying out the assignment.<\/p>\n
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According to him, the exercise aligns with RMAFC\u2019s constitutional mandate to monitor revenue-related matters within Nigeria\u2019s extractive industries.<\/p>\n
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Chairman of the committee, Dr Ekene Enefe, said host communities must enjoy all benefits guaranteed under the Petroleum Industry Act.<\/p>\n
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Enefe said the committee would ensure operators complied fully with provisions of the law and fulfilled all obligations to host communities.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe committee\u2019s investigation is aimed at determining whether statutory HCDT contributions are fully remitted and reaching affected communities.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe committee is established to enforce compliance and ensure intended benefits reach the communities concerned,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Enefe expressed concern over SEEPCO\u2019s continued absence in spite of repeated invitations extended to the company by the committee.<\/p>\n
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He said meaningful engagement with the operator was essential to resolving outstanding issues relating to host community obligations and corporate social responsibility commitments.<\/p>\n
According to him, SEEPCO\u2019s appearance is necessary for resolving unresolved matters affecting host communities and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.<\/p>\n
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Enefe urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to ensure the company honoured the committee\u2019s invitation.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAll operators must fulfil their statutory obligations to host communities and the federation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Mrs Ufondu Ejiro, Director of Host Communities at NUPRC, also made submissions before the committee during the hearing.<\/p>\n
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Ejiro said NUPRC was established by the Petroleum Industry Act and operates strictly within the framework of the law.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe administration of host community development is bound by the Petroleum Industry Act and its regulations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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She, however, assured the committee that SEEPCO would honour its invitation and participate in the ongoing investigation.<\/p>\n
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Anambra Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof Charles Ofoegbu, also presented issues affecting host communities in the state.<\/p>\n
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Ofoegbu stressed the importance of sustained engagement among stakeholders to ensure unresolved matters were addressed appropriately.<\/p>\n
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Legal representative of the affected communities, Mr Peter Chukwudi, outlined their concerns and expectations before the committee.<\/p>\n
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Chukwudi said operators must comply with both the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and the commission\u2019s constitutional mandate.<\/p>\n
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The committee also received a preliminary forensic assessment on statutory HCDT contributions from its consultant during the hearing.<\/p>\n
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The hearing forms part of RMAFC\u2019s efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act nationwide. (NAN)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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