Obiano makes case for Anambra to benefit from 13% derivation fund

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has canvassed inclusion of the state to benefit from revenue accruing to the nation from oil and gas production activities in the state.

He argued that this had become expedient since the state has joined the league of oil producing states in Nigeria, insisting that by virtue of its new status, the state should start benefiting from the 13 per cent derivation fund.

This is coming on the heels of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)’s approval of Obiano’s request for the inclusion in the share of revenue accruing to the nation from oil and gas production activities in the state.

Reports monitored from the Anambra state Broadcasting Service (ABS), Awka, yesterday, confirmed that Anambra State had finally joined the league of oil producing states in Nigeria, as it will soon begin to benefit from the 13 per cent derivation fund.

According to the approval letter through its secretary, M. B. Shehu and addressed to Governor Obiano, RMAFC approved the attribution of eleven oil wells to Anambra State.

“It also approved attribution of Anambra River One, Two and Three oil wells to be shared on 50 per cent basis between Anambra and Kogi State, pending the final delineation of boundaries of both states.

“The 11 oil wells wholly attributed to Anambra State are, Nzam-One, Alo-One, Ogbu-One, Ameshi One, Two, Three and Four and Enyie One, Two, Three and Four.

The RMAFC approved the decision at its 139th plenary session held on July 27, 2021.

“The 13 per cent derivation would take effect when the revenue from the operations of the oil wells start contributing to the federation account,” he said.