Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, through its Investment Monitoring Committee, has summoned the Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company, SEEPCO, over alleged lapses in its corporate social responsibility and operational transparency in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
At a high-level mediation session held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the Committee interrogated SEEPCO officials on critical issues including the establishment of a Host Community Development Trust, gas flaring, community development commitments, and local employment compliance under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.
RMAFC Commissioner, Ahmed Enefe, who chaired the session, said the meeting became necessary following complaints from host communities in Ogbaru LGA that SEEPCO had failed to fulfill its social obligations and legal mandates.
“Let me be clear, unresolved host community issues have direct consequences on national revenue. When companies operate in stable, inclusive environments, the country benefits from safer, higher, and more predictable revenue,” Enefe stated.
RMAFC queried SEEPCO’s representative, Mr. Rajender Bhangara, on whether the company had constituted a Host Community Development Trust and fulfilled its financial contribution requirements as stipulated by the PIA.
The Commission further sought clarity on whether SEEPCO had conducted any needs assessments or implemented infrastructure and environmental remediation programmes for the host communities.
Hon. Enefe also raised serious concerns over gas flaring practices in the Ogbaru axis and demanded evidence of flare volume metering, flare penalty payments to government, and compensation to affected communities.
“There are also questions around why crude is being evacuated from Anambra to Delta State without a local flow station or tank farm. We need to understand the gas-to-crude ratio, the status of existing MoUs with communities, and details of any employment or scholarship schemes in place,” he added.
Also speaking, Barr. Martins Aruviere Egharhevwa, RMAFC Commissioner representing Delta State on the Commission and a member of the Investment Monitoring Committee, requested that SEEPCO provide verifiable data on gas production volumes and investments made in both infrastructure and human capital within the host communities.
Representatives of Ogbaru communities in attendance emphasized the need for transparency and fairness.
Mr. Esumai Patrick Chukwudi of 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.”
Hon. Vitalis Ekweanua of Ogwu Aniocha community added, “We are not against oil 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, appreciated the Commission for initiating the dialogue and acknowledged the concerns raised.
“We value this platform and the opportunity to listen. We’ve taken detailed notes and will return with our technical and operations teams to respond comprehensively,” Bhangara assured.
He confirmed that SEEPCO’s operations in OML 143 connect Anambra production sites to infrastructure in Delta State and that all produced volumes are metered and accounted for.
He promised to provide documentation covering flare volumes, environmental compliance, and host community contributions.
The session ended with an agreement to reconvene at a later date, with SEEPCO expected to return with its full technical and community engagement teams. RMAFC will continue to mediate the dialogue to ensure host community issues are addressed in line with regulatory and ethical standards.
