Joel Ajayi 

As part of its oversight functions, the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), through its Investment Monitoring Committee, convened a high-level engagement to mediate  between the Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and the host communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Speaking during the engagement which took place today at the Commission’s Boardroom at the headquarters in Abuja, Hon. Ekene Enefe disclosed that the Committee called for the hearing because there were so many outstanding issues that needed to be thrashed out between the Company and the host Communities following some complaints  that SEEPCO was not living up to its corporate social responsibility. 

He emphasized the need to resolve the issues as they have direct revenue implications for the Federation. He said, if operations take place in a stable, inclusive, and conducive host community environment, the nation could be sure of higher, safer and predictable revenue generation.

The Hon. Commissioner asked the representative of SEEPCO Mr. Rajender Bhangara qestions on whether the Company had properly established a Host Community Development Trust as required under the Petroleum Industry Act; made the required  contribution from its qualifying expenditure and  how those funds were being applied to infrastructure and environmental remediation. 

He also enquired whether SEEPCO had conducted a needs assessment of the affected communities. He further requested information on gas flaring in the Ogbaru axis and evidence of flare penalty payments to government and compensation to the Communitues. He  requested to know the metering systems used to determine flared volumes.  

Hon. Enefe also queried the status of pipelines and wondered why the product was being evacuated from Anambra to Delta State without a local flow station or farm tank. He also wanted the company to reveal the proportion of the stream of gas versus crude and the extent of their commitment in terms of payment made to the  communities under the existing MoUs. 

He added that the Committee expected full disclosure on scholarships awarded, indigene employment—especially full‑time, skilled workers—and visible infrastructure delivered in the communities hosting their operations.

A member of the Investment Committee and Honourable Commissioner representing Delta State in the Commissio, Barr. Mathew Aruviere Egharhevwa emphasized the need for the representatives of SEEPCO to provide the  database detailing the quantity of gas exploration and what had been embarked on in terms of human capital and infrastructural development.

In their contributions, the community representatives welcomed the intervention, adding that they desired to have a peaceful and harmonious relationship with the company built upon fairness and accountability.  

Mr. Esumai Patrick Chukwudi, who represented the Ogwu Ikpele community, said. “What we want is fairness and a sense of belonging; our people need to see real development—water, health, access roads , jobs—not just promises,” 

In his contribution, Hon. Vitalis Ekweanua of Ogwu Aniocha stressed that the communities came to Abuja because of their belief in dialogue and desire to have a robust  relationship that would serve the interest of everyone. He said, “We are not against operations; we are partners in progress, but host communities must see benefits where resources are taken.”

Responding, SEEPCO’s Head of Business Development, Mr. Rajender Bhangara, thanked the Commission for providing the platform for the discussion, saying “we value this dialogue and the concerns raised; we have taken detailed notes and will return with our technical community, and operations teams to respond comprehensively.”

He said the company’s operations within OML 143 link Anambra field locations to existing  infrastructure in Delta state as well as all produced volumes of oil and gas are monitored and accounted for through established metering and evacuation systems. He assured the gathering that the company would  share the records, including gas flare and environmental compliance data, with the Commission. 

Mr. Bhangara then requested another date to enable the company to sufficiently provide the required information regarding their operations. 
Parties agreed to continue engagement under the facilitation of RMAFC and to reconvene with full technical and community relations teams to address the issues raised. 

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