The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has flagged off the plotting of coordinates for disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells across affected oil-producing states.

The move marks a major step towards resolving long-standing boundary and ownership concerns among the communities.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr Mohammed Shehu, said the exercise, which began on Monday, January 26, and will end on Friday, January 30, 2026, is being carried out through the Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC).

The committee, made up of key national institutions, including RMAFC, representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), representatives of the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF), and representatives of the Office of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), is responsible for verifying and plotting the coordinates of oil and gas wells to ensure accuracy, transparency and fairness in revenue attribution.

Last year, the commission began verifying the disputed oil and gas wells following petitions from the affected states. It promised to accurately identify the locations of crude oil and gas fields and wells within the disputed areas, as well as newly drilled crude oil and gas wells.

Shehu, while flagging off the coordinates plotting exercise on Monday, explained that the initiative is anchored in the Commission’s constitutional mandate to monitor accruals into and disbursements from the Federation Account, including the equitable distribution of the 13 per cent derivation fund to oil- and gas-producing states. According to him, “Proper verification and plotting of well locations will help clearly establish ownership, resolve disputes and ensure that producing states receive their rightful share.”

He urged representatives of the affected states to participate actively in the exercise, noting that inclusive engagement is critical to achieving outcomes acceptable to all parties. The Chairman assured stakeholders that the Commission would remain neutral and committed to justice, equity and fairness throughout the process.

Dr. Shehu also expressed appreciation to the oil-producing states for their cooperation and support, describing the exercise as a significant milestone in enhancing transparency and trust in the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas revenues.