₦airaland Forum

Umuahia, Abia State — The Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFAC), Mrs. Nkechi Oti, has raised serious concerns over the alleged ceding of Abia’s oil wells to neighbouring states, a development she says is negatively impacting the state's revenue allocation from the Federation Account.

According to The Bureau Newspaper, Mrs. Oti, while presenting a report of her familiarisation tour during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti, revealed that the disputed oil wells—if reclaimed—could significantly boost Abia’s federally allocated revenue.

“There’s an urgent need for intervention by the Governor to reclaim Abia’s rightful oil assets,” she said.

Mrs. Oti noted that her visit was aimed at understanding the dynamics and challenges of revenue allocation to Abia State, and reaffirmed her commitment to securing enhanced revenue inflow for the state.

The RAMFAC Commissioner also called for:

- Improved monitoring of the state’s solid mineral resources

- Better inter-ministerial coordination

- Enhanced training for local government staff to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)

She further warned that lapses in statutory remittances—such as stamp duties and tax collections—could continue to deprive Abia of its equitable share from the Federation Account, especially in the oil-producing areas.

She listed electricity deficits, insecurity, and poor infrastructure as some of the challenges impeding the state’s oil-producing regions from reaching their full potential.

Mrs. Oti, who was accompanied by an eight-member team from key federal agencies, commended the Otti-led administration for ongoing projects and the digitisation of revenue processes, describing them as transformative steps toward financial transparency.

In his response, Governor Alex Otti expressed gratitude for the RAMFAC team’s efforts and assured them that his administration will carefully study the report and act on its recommendations.

He disclosed that Abia State has established the Abia Petroleum Trading and Allied Limited (APTA), a company tasked with the management and recovery of oil wells in the state. The governor emphasised that Abia would engage with the Federal Government to protect its oil assets and ensure equity in resource distribution.

“Our administration is focused on prudent financial management, increased federal revenue, and long-term debt reduction,” Governor Otti stated.

He also appealed to the RAMFAC representative to assist Abia in securing increased federal allocations, in line with its resource contributions and developmental needs.

The fact-finding mission by RAMFAC uncovered key bottlenecks hindering optimal revenue generation for the state, setting the stage for policy reforms and strategic collaboration between the state and federal authorities.

Source: https://thebureau.com.ng/news-updates-in-nigeria-today-abia-oil-wells-ceded-to-neighbouring-states-ramfac/

I successfully posted an earlier comment on this thread, and returned few minutes later only to see the anti-spambot has conveniently removed it as it appears someone can't handle the truth and saw my post as being inimical to their agenda/interests on this forum! The 'spambot' thing will probably hide this one as well!

Mtchew. How much oil does abia produce sef. Lmao. They should go and chill.

Wahala... Everybody now wants oyel and its money. Ok na

Like i said in my first post on this thread which was hidden, i'm not shocked and neither am i surprised that Abia state is being cheated and shortchanged! It's something Ndigbo have experienced from the Nigerian state in one form or the other from the late 60s to date! However, the cheating and hate has grown much more noticeable and insidious from about 2015 to the present ever since APC took over!

As expected, the usual bigots known for their negativity towards anything Igbo have already emerged from the sewer to rubbish the report and deride Abia state! They're the sort that would equally have mocked Anambra state and claim they have no oyel and gas had it not been for the proactive nature of Governor Obiano in chasing the issue of his states derivation payments being credited to Delta state and putting a stop to the injustice! You can now begin to understand why and how large swathes of Igbo territory rich in hydrocarbons were sliced off from the then East Central State and placed in the newly created Rivers State by the Gowon govt! There's a noticeable pattern that's been the norm from the late 60s to date! You can also begin to understand why, from 2015 to date, they have culled the Igbo from the highest leadership and federal appointive positions in the oil and gas industry....just so when they carry out their anti-Igbo agenda, there'll be no Igbo to speak up or protest for us! This sidelining of Ndigbo at the highest decision-making levels is also mirrored in the financial sector!

Below are links to reports of oil wells in Abia state that have been capped for decades! Meanwhile, they are spending hundreds of millions of dollars searching for oil in the north! I ask you, had these wells been in Iragbiji or Daura, do you think they would have been capped? This injustice is separate from the other issue of Abia oil fields being located or credited to other states as the RAMFAC commissioner representing the state has alluded to in the OP!

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/768549-abia-govt-set-to-boost-oil-production-capacity.html
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/778907-after-two-decades-otti-moves-to-revive-abias-capped-oil-wells.html
https://www.facebook.com/allfactsnewsng/posts/otti-takes-bold-step-to-revive-abias-capped-oil-wells-targets-1-billion-revenuea/1074283281410559/

chopnaira:
Mtchew. How much oil does abia produce sef. Lmao. They should go and chill.

I don't understand why you guys are so callous. Does the oil belong to you or your state ? Once it concerns an igbo man you people automatically start mocking and abusing them. God forbid una

LithiumSupplier:
Wahala... Everybody now wants oyel and its money. Ok na

Everyone should get what belongs to them and shouldn't be cheated! Wouldn't you say this is a fair position to take?

IGBOSON1:
Everyone should get what belongs to them and shouldn't be cheated! Wouldn't you say this is a fair position to take?

Hey man! I am not against everyone getting oil wells... But should we not be focused on diversifying our economy?