RMAFC Mediates Between Sterling Oil and Anambra Host Communities Over CSR, Operations
By Patience Ikpeme
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has initiated mediation efforts between Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and its host communities in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The engagement, convened by RMAFC’s Investment Monitoring Committee in Abuja on Thursday, seeks to resolve various outstanding issues and complaints regarding SEEPCO’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Hon. Enefe Ekene, the Commissioner in charge of the Committee, explained that the hearing was called due to numerous unresolved matters between the Company and the host Communities, following claims that SEEPCO was not fulfilling its corporate social obligations.
He stressed the necessity of resolving these issues, noting their direct impact on the Federation’s revenue. Enefe conveyed that stable, inclusive, and conducive host community environments are essential for higher, safer, and predictable national revenue generation.
During the engagement, the Commissioner directed several questions to SEEPCO’s representative, Mr. Rajender Bhangara. These inquiries pertained to whether the Company had properly established a Host Community Development Trust as required under the Petroleum Industry Act, whether it had made the necessary contributions from its qualifying expenditure, and how those funds were being applied to infrastructure and environmental remediation projects.
He also sought to determine if SEEPCO had conducted a needs assessment of the affected communities. Further requests for information included details on gas flaring in the Ogbaru area, evidence of flare penalty payments to the government, compensation to the communities, and the metering systems used to determine flared volumes.
Hon. Enefe additionally inquired about the status of pipelines and questioned the practice of evacuating products from Anambra to Delta State without a local flow station or farm tank. He also sought clarification on the proportion of gas versus crude in their operations and the extent of payments made to communities under existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The Committee, he added, expects full disclosure on scholarships awarded, indigene employment—particularly full-time, skilled workers—and tangible infrastructure delivered in the communities hosting their operations.
Barr. Mathew Aruviere Egharhevwa, a member of the Investment Committee and Commissioner representing Delta State in the Commission, spoke about the importance for SEEPCO’s representatives to provide a comprehensive database detailing the quantity of gas exploration and actions taken in terms of human capital and infrastructural development.
Community representatives present at the hearing welcomed the intervention, expressing their desire for a peaceful and harmonious relationship with the company built upon principles of fairness and accountability. Mr. Esumai Patrick Chukwudi, representing the Ogwu Ikpele community, stated, “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.”
Vitalis Ekweanua of Ogwu Aniocha clarified that the communities traveled to Abuja because of their belief in dialogue and their desire for a robust relationship that would serve everyone’s interests. He stated, “We are not against operations; we are partners in progress, but host communities must see benefits where resources are taken.”
In response, SEEPCO’s Head of Business Development, Mr. Rajender Bhangara, thanked the Commission for providing the platform for the discussion. He stated, “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.” Bhangara explained that the company’s operations within OML 143 connect Anambra field locations to existing infrastructure in Delta State, and 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 a new date to allow the company sufficient time to compile and provide the required information regarding their operations. Both parties agreed to continue their engagement under the facilitation of RMAFC and to reconvene with full technical and community relations teams to address the issues raised.
