A Moment of Gratitude to the Federal Government and Mr. President.
Distinguished members of the press, stakeholders, fellow Nigerians—
Today, I speak not just as the National Chairman of HOSCON, but as a voice for the suffering but resilient people of Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.
We begin with a sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and particularly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the historic release of the first tranche of the 3% Host Community Fund as enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
We recognize this as a major step in justice, equity, and development for host communities.
The President’s courage in honoring the law deserves national commendation. We also extend gratitude to God Almighty for giving our leaders the wisdom and boldness to act.
The Constitution Must Reflect Justice: 13% Derivation Direct to Host Communities.
In line with national development and fairness, we are calling on the National Assembly to expedite the constitutional amendment that allows the 13% derivation fund to be paid directly to the Host Communities, not through state governors.
Let me be clear: this is not an attack on governors. It is a demand for structural justice. Just as the PIA mandates direct payments to host communities, we ask that the same principle be applied to the 13% derivation—this time at the state level, not local government level, to ensure transparency and impactful development.
We submitted our position paper on this matter to the National Assembly, and we are hopeful that voices from the north, south, east, and west will echo this call for fairness.
Masses Are Crying—Let the Trapped Grants Flow.
The Nigerian masses are suffering. The economy is biting. And we must ask: Why are billions of naira in NGO grants lying dormant in the Central Bank for five years now?
We appeal to President Tinubu to direct the immediate release of these foreign-funded grants meant for grassroots poverty alleviation.
This is not just a financial matter—it is a matter of life, hunger, and dignity.
$6 Billion Gas Flare Levies Must Reach the People.
We also 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 are funds legally due to us. These are funds that will change lives—empowering women, developing youth skills, and supporting traditional rulers to foster peace.
Support for President Tinubu: We Must Build, Not Break.
Criticizing a government does not build a nation—collaborating with it does. We urge the host communities and the nation at large to stand behind Mr. President.
Even the Holy Scriptures say: “Encourage the weak.” If we want a better Nigeria, then let us support our leaders constructively. President Tinubu inherited a fragile economy. But together, we can rise again.
Host Communities Must Have Slots in Oil Sector Appointments.
The upstream, mainstream, and downstream oil sectors are vital parts of Nigeria’s economy. Yet, our people—the very hosts of this wealth—are consistently sidelined in appointments.
We demand inclusion in NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA, and every key oil and gas regulatory body. It is time to stop the marginalization and recognize our constitutional place.
Our Roads Are Death Traps—Fix Nigeria’s Oil Corridors Now.
Two days ago, I travelled the Warri–Benin–Auchi–Abuja corridor. A six-hour journey became 14 hours of nightmare. Dilapidated federal roads are paralyzing our economy and threatening lives.
We appeal to the Federal Ministry of Works and the Presidency to declare a state of emergency on national oil corridors. Development cannot happen on broken roads.
Commendation to the National Assembly and Northern Oil-Bearing States.
We commend Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko (Chairman AD-HOC committee on incessant Crude Oil theft) and Senator Benson Agadaga (Chair, Senate Committee on Oil and Gas) for their active engagement on oil theft, illegal refineries, and environmental restoration.
We also salute the leaders from Nasarawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Kogi States, who joined forces with Chief Dr. Wellington Okrika and other southern leaders to present a unified host community front at the National Assembly.
This is the unity Nigeria needs! We also commend Mr. Ally Isah (SSA Oil and Gas matters to distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko) and Dr. Mike Nwoko (Chief of Staff to distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko) 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.
Pipeline Surveillance Contracts: Give the Jobs to Our Youth..
Over 10,000 Niger Delta youths have been trained in intelligence and surveillance.
They are idle. They are waiting. We’ve met with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister of Defence, and the President’s Security Advisor. Yet nothing has moved.
We appeal once again: Award the pipeline surveillance contracts to the Host Communities. We are not thugs. We are not violent. We are patriots. Ignoring the trained youth only pushes them back to the creeks.
That is a risk Nigeria cannot afford.
We commend Tantita Security Services and OMS for their current efforts—but let them not neglect the host communities. We must be partners in progress, not spectators in our own land.
All Outstanding Debts Must Be Paid to Host Communities..
We call on the Federal Government, IOCs, and LOCs to pay all outstanding funds owed to the host communities—whether from derivation, gas flaring, environmental fines, or social responsibility projects.
These funds, once released, will empower our women, train our youth, and strengthen traditional institutions to maintain unity and peace.
Let Us Build a Nigeria That Future Generations Will Thank Us For.
Corruption, kidnapping, and terrorism are enemies of our collective future. Nigeria is too rich to be this poor. We must rise above greed. We must fear God. And we must accommodate one another as brothers and sisters under one green-white-green flag.
Final Appeal: Involve the Host Communities Now.
Enough of rewarding noise and violence. It is time the Federal Government stops listening to thugs and starts engaging the quiet, organized voices of reason.
We are the Host Communities of Nigeria.
We are ready to build. We are ready to secure. We are ready to serve. All we ask is: Involve us now.
Thank you.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless the Host Communities.
God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Prince Dr. Michael Emuh
National Executive Chairman, Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSCON)
