BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
Prince Dr. Michael Emuh, National Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), on Saturday applauded the Federal Government for the release of the first tranche of the 3% Host Community Fund, describing it as a “historic step” towards justice and development in Nigeria’s oil-producing areas.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, Dr. Emuh extended heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he termed a courageous and commendable fulfillment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He also commended Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, for his proactive engagement with host community issues and his support for equitable resource distribution. “The President’s courage in honoring the law deserves national commendation,” Emuh said, urging Nigerians to support the administration constructively.
In the same vein, he commended the Chief of Staff to Senator Nwoko, Dr. Michael Nwoko and his SSA on Oil and Gas matters, Mr. Ally Isah for the patriotic roles they played in making sure quick audience is granted by their principal on the 13% Derivation Fund issue as a matter of urgency.
However, the HOSCON leader also used the occasion to press for deeper structural reforms and immediate action on several long-standing issues affecting oil-producing communities.
In his demands, he called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the constitution to allow the 13% derivation fund to be paid directly to host communities rather than state governments. This, he said, is not an attack on governors but a demand for structural justice and transparency.
Highlighting the plight of Nigerians amid economic hardship, Emuh questioned why billions in foreign-funded NGO grants have remained dormant in the Central Bank for over five years. He appealed to President Tinubu for immediate release of the funds.
He also demanded the disbursement of over $6 billion in gas flare levies owed to host communities by international and local oil companies saying “These funds will change lives, empower women, develop youths, and foster peace through our traditional institutions.”
Emuh criticized the exclusion of host community representatives from key oil and gas regulatory bodies, including NNPC, NUPRC, and NMDPRA, noting “We are the hosts of Nigeria’s oil wealth. It is time we are included in appointments that shape the industry.”
Sharing a personal account of a 14-hour journey on the dilapidated Warri–Benin–Auchi–Abuja highway, the HOSCON chairman called for a state of emergency to be declared on major oil-producing road corridors.
Emuh lamented that over 10,000 trained Niger Delta youths remain idle despite their readiness to secure national oil infrastructure. He called on the government to prioritize host community youths in the award of pipeline surveillance contracts to prevent a return to unrest.
The HOSCON chairman demanded that all outstanding debts owed to host communities, ranging from derivation arrears to environmental fines, be paid promptly to support grassroots development.
Dr. Emuh praised the National Assembly, particularly Senator Ned Nwoko and Senator Benson Agadaga, for their roles in tackling oil theft and environmental issues. He also lauded the collaborative efforts of leaders from both southern and northern oil-bearing states in unifying the host community voice.
“We salute leaders from Nasarawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Kogi for standing in solidarity with the South. This is the unity Nigeria needs,” he said.
He further commended Tantita Security Services and OMS for their current surveillance roles, while urging them not to overlook grassroots engagement.
Prince Dr. Emuh urged the Federal Government to listen to “quiet, organized voices” rather than empowering violence, adding: “We are ready to build. We are ready to secure. We are ready to serve,” “All we ask is: Involve us now.”
The HOSCON chairman reiterated his unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the need for national collaboration to address poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
