The National Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, HOSCON, Prince Dr. Michael Emuh, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for "the historic release of the first tranche of the 3% Host Community Fund" in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, a move he described as a "bold step" and a show of commitment by the President "to honoring the law and prioritizing the needs" of host communities.

The HOSCON chairman gave the commendation at a press conference held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

In a presentation titled 'A Call to Action for Justice and Equity in Nigeria's Oil-Producing Communities', Emuh, who said that "the need for justice, equity, and development in our communities can no longer be ignored", urged President Tinubu to continue to work towards the development of host communities.

On the issue of 13% derivation fund earmarked for the benefit of host communities, the HOSCON chairman called on the National Assembly to expedite structural reforms to make for direct payment of derivation fund directly to host communities.

"We call on the National Assembly to expedite the constitutional amendment that allows the 13% derivation fund to be paid directly to host communities, not through state governors. This demand for structural justice is not an attack on governors; rather, it is a call for transparency and impactful development," he stressed.

Emuh also commended the Senator representing Delta North, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, who is the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, "for his active engagement on this issue and his push for direct allocation of the 13% derivation fund to host communities" as well as other stakeholders for their dedication to enable host communities get justice.

"We also commend Senator Benson Agadaga, Chair of the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas, for his efforts in promoting the interests of host communities.

"We salute the leaders from Nasarawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Kogi States, who joined forces with Chief Dr. Wellington Okirika and other southern leaders to present a unified host community front at the National Assembly. Their unity and determination are a beacon of hope for our communities.

"We appreciate the patriotic roles played by Mr. Ally Isah (SSA Oil and Gas Matters to Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko) and Dr. Mike Nwoko (Chief of Staff to Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko) in ensuring that the 13% derivation fund issue receives urgent attention," he stated.

Emuh, who said the Nigerian people are suffering, appealed to President Tinubu to "direct the immediate release of foreign-funded grants meant for grassroots poverty alleviation"; to oil companies to release the over $6 billion gas flare compensation owed, and for the Federal Government to directly engage with host communities.

"We call on International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Local Operating Companies (LOCs) to release the over $6 billion gas flare compensation owed to host communities. These funds are legally due to us and will transform lives—empowering women, developing youth skills, and supporting traditional rulers to foster peace.

"Finally, we urge the Federal Government to involve host communities in decision-making processes, engaging quiet, organized voices of reason. We are ready to build, secure, and serve. All we ask is: Involve us now," he appealed.

#penglobalcommunity #HOSCON