RMFAC FLAGS OFF COORDINATES PLOTTING OF DISPUTED OIL AND GAS WELLS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has flagged off the plotting of coordinates for disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells across affected oil-producing states, marking a major step toward resolving long-standing boundary and ownership concerns in the sector.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. M. B. Shehu, OFR, said the exercise, scheduled to run from January 26 to 30, 2026, is being carried out through the Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC). The committee, made up of key national institutions, is responsible for verifying and plotting the coordinates of oil and gas wells to ensure accuracy, transparency and fairness in revenue attribution.
Dr. Shehu explained that the initiative is anchored on the Commission’s constitutional mandate to monitor accruals into and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account, including the equitable distribution of the 13 per cent derivation fund to oil- and gas-producing states. According to him, proper verification and plotting of well locations will help clearly establish ownership, resolve disputes and ensure that producing states receive their rightful share.
He urged representatives of the affected states to actively participate in the exercise, noting that inclusive engagement is critical to achieving outcomes that are acceptable to all parties. The Chairman assured stakeholders that the Commission would remain neutral and committed to justice, equity and fairness throughout the process.
Dr. Shehu also expressed appreciation to the oil-producing states for their cooperation and support, describing the exercise as a significant milestone in strengthening transparency and trust in the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas revenues.