RMAFC Orders NUPRC to Dissolve Host Community Trust

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has directed the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to dissolve a disputed Host Community Development Trust within 48 hours. This directive was issued following an investigative hearing concerning the operations of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company and the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

The ultimatum was announced by RMAFC's Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Maryam Umar-Yusuf, after concerns were raised about the trust's constitution and representation of affected communities. RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu emphasized the commission's commitment to protecting the interests of oil-producing host communities and ensuring they receive benefits under the law.

The hearing, led by Ekene Enefe, the Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, criticized Sterling Oil for failing to attend previous engagements and stressed that host communities should not bear the environmental and social consequences of oil exploration without corresponding development.