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RMAFC Engages Stakeholders Ahead of Oil, Gas Investment Summit in China
Joel Ajayi
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced engagements with key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector as part of efforts to attract increased investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to boost revenue accruing to the Federation Account.
The engagement, led by the Chairman of the Commission’s Investment Monitoring Committee and Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Dr. Ekene Enefe, is aimed at briefing relevant government agencies on plans to organise an Oil and Gas Investment Summit in China, tentatively scheduled for the end of November 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Head, Information and Public Relations Unit RMAFC, Maryam Umar Yusuf, in Abuja.
Speaking during the stakeholder engagement, Dr. Enefe explained that the Investment Monitoring Committee, one of the Commission’s constitutional committees, is responsible, among other functions, for monitoring Federal Government investments in the oil and gas sector and ensuring that the nation receives its appropriate revenues and accruals from the sector.
He noted that the Committee had recorded significant progress in monitoring the sector, including efforts that have resulted in the recovery of revenues and enforcement of applicable penalties against defaulting oil companies, particularly in relation to provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), including gas-flaring obligations.
According to him, the Commission had identified the enormous investment opportunities in Nigeria’s gas sector and considered it necessary to facilitate greater participation by investors in both the upstream and downstream segments of the industry. “We looked at the opportunities in the gas sector of the economy and felt that we need to intervene, especially in bringing investors to the sector, both upstream and downstream,” Dr. Enefe said.
He disclosed that RMAFC had already engaged relevant institutions responsible for investment promotion and trade, including the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), to explore avenues for attracting investors into the sector.
Dr. Enefe further explained that the proposed summit was conceived as part of the Commission’s broader efforts to support the development of the oil and gas industry, increase investments and ultimately expand the nation’s revenue base.
He said RMAFC had briefed the Presidency on the initiative and had continued consultations with relevant government agencies towards ensuring a successful summit.
According to him, China was deliberately chosen as the host country because of its significant role in the global energy and investment landscape. He added that consultations had already been held with the Nigerian High Commission in Beijing, including discussions with the Nigerian Ambassador and other stakeholders, who expressed support for the initiative.
He also disclosed that the stakeholder breakfast meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, is expected to bring together key government institutions and agencies in the oil and gas investment sectors.
Dr. Enefe said the meeting would provide an opportunity to formally brief stakeholders on the proposed summit and obtain their contributions towards its successful organisation. He also called on participating ministries and agencies to nominate representatives to serve on the planning committee for the summit.
In his response, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed the Ministry’s support for the initiative, stressing the need for Nigeria to showcase the investment opportunities in the country to boost economic development.
The Minister emphasised that Presidential Executive Orders and the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act must be effectively implemented through coordinated action among relevant government institutions.
He highlighted the country’s substantial gas reserves, noting that the nation’s estimated 215 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves provide a significant opportunity to drive economic growth, strengthen the regional energy market and position Nigeria more prominently on the global energy platform.
He said the Ministry of Petroleum Resources would work closely with RMAFC and other relevant agencies to ensure that the proposed summit achieves its objectives.”The time has come for us to really decide for our nation, work for our nation, put things in the correct perspective,” the Minister stated.
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo also assured RMAFC of the Ministry’s cooperation in the planning process and disclosed that a representative would be nominated to participate in the summit planning committee.
He commended RMAFC for the initiative and expressed confidence that the proposed investment summit would create opportunities for attracting new investments into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, thereby contributing to national development and increased government revenue.
The engagement underscores RMAFC’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, promoting investment in strategic sectors of the economy and ensuring that Nigeria maximises the revenue potential of its natural resources for the benefit of all tiers of government and the Nigerian people.
Also in attendance were the Federal Commissioner of Kogi, Hon. Abdulazeez Idris King and the Director of Gas and Investment Department, Hajiya Zainab Larai Adamu.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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