Abuja: The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that host communities in oil and gas-producing areas receive fair benefits in the country. Chairman of the RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, communicated this stance when he received a delegation from the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Shehu commended HOSCON for its peaceful approach in addressing issues related to resource allocation and environmental justice in oil-producing areas. He assured that the commission would study HOSCON’s position paper and collaborate with stakeholders to develop a transparent framework for disbursing and utilizing the 13 percent derivation fund.
Meanwhile, HOSCON Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, expressed appreciation to the commission, describing the engagement as a new dawn for neglected host communities. On his part, the secretary of the commission, Mr. Joseph Nwaeze, reiterated RMAFC’s commitment to fairness and urged HOSCON to pursue legislative backing for the 13 percent derivation framework. He emphasized the need for strong collaboration, dialogue, and constitutional reforms to strengthen the inclusion of host communities.