The Nigerian Senate had recognized Kogi State as an oil producing State.
The recognition came during the plenary at the Red Chamber on Thursday.
The recognition followed a matter of personal explanation relating to the oil producing status of Kogi State, through Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders, presented by Senator Jibrin Isah, representing Kogi East senatorial district.
Isah informed the upper legislative chamber that Kogi is an oil producing state “which has been receiving the constitutional 13% derivation since October, 2022.”
He added that the development faults the position of Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North, who stated in his motion on Wednesday that Kogi is not an oil producing state.
The lawmaker reminded the Senate that oil was discovered in commercial quantities in Kogi East communities of Odeke, Echeno, Ihile, Anocha/Uchuchu, Omabo, Ikah, Iregwu and Ujeh of Ibaji Local Government Council.
He said the development had been assessed and affirmed by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMFAC, since 2021.
“The derivative was being paid to Kogi State based on peculiarities of oil producing states as reflected in Section 162(2) which directs the constant reflection of the principle of derivation of not less than 13% in any approved revenue allocation formula,” Isah added.
The clarification was consequent upon a bill sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye, seeking amendment of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Act, to include Anambra as an oil producing State
While presenting the bill, Nwoye said “the neighbouring Kogi State was yet to receive 13% derivative”.
Upon interrogation by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over Wednesday’s plenary, the Anambra lawmaker could not substantiate his claims.
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau who presided over Thursday’s plenary in the absence of Akpabio, sustained the clarification that Kogi State is an oil producing State.
Earlier on Wednesday, the bill to include Anambra as one of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, states was declined by the Senators amid rancour. (vitalnewsngr.com)
