Nkechi Oti, the federal commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, has called for increased dialogue and collaboration between the government and oil-producing communities in Abia.
Ms Oti, who represents Abia in the RMFAC, said this on Sunday during a meeting with Governor Alex Otti of Abia, which was part of her familiarisation visit to Abia, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
Ms Oti also presented a detailed report on revenue opportunities and challenges in Abia.
The commissioner noted that many host communities viewed natural resources as their sole entitlement, stressing the need to educate them on collective ownership and the broader developmental interests of Abia.
Ms Oti advised the state government to regularly engage these communities to foster understanding, cooperation and stability in resource management and revenue generation.
According to her, insecurity and poor electricity in oil-rich areas are major challenges threatening production.
She urged stronger collaboration among the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, the petroleum ministry, and local governments.
Mr Oti further said that some oil wells originally belonging to Abia had been ceded to other states, either deliberately or unknowingly and called for the Ministry of Lands to intervene urgently.
She recommended that crude oil monitoring committees, in collaboration with national agencies, should conduct field assessments of abandoned or inactive wells.
On solid minerals, Ms Oti highlighted the need for improved monitoring and rent collection, encouraging the state to tap into non-oil revenues as Nigeria shifts towards economic diversification.
She stressed that, despite being on the exclusive list, solid mineral activities offered states viable internally generated revenue, provided they were properly documented and tracked.
Ms Oti also advised local government authorities to improve staff training and record-keeping to enhance their preparedness during federal revenue assessments.
She commended the government for employing over 5,000 teachers and automating revenue systems, noting that these efforts would improve revenue indices over time.
Ms Oti warned that delays in remitting taxes and stamp duties could lead to deductions at source and urged timely compliance to protect the state’s allocations.
Mr Otti welcomed the report and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to responsible governance and fairness in resource distribution.
He noted that the state had already initiated plans through ABTAN Energy Limited, a state-backed company, to acquire some marginal oil wells and enhance local production.
Mr Otti also acknowledged the staffing concerns at ASOPADEC and directed the head of service and the finance commissioner to work with the agency to redeploy excess staff rather than retrench them.
He praised the commissioner for prioritising Abia’s interest and assured her that the government would carefully review the submitted report and act on its recommendations.
The governor also highlighted the state’s reputation for financial discipline and transparency, stating that additional revenue would accelerate ongoing development projects.
(NAN)
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