By Daniel Edu
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HostCom) have expressed their grievances over the deprivations and desecration caused by oil operators and settlers who engage in unfair practices and divide-and-rule tactics within the host communities. Settlers, in this context, are holders of interests in Oil Prospecting Licences, Oil Mining Leases, Petroleum Prospecting Licences, or Petroleum Mining Leases operating within or connected to the host communities.
HostCom has also raised concerns about the failure of settlers to finalize the Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDT) funds, which were established to address the concerns of the host communities and put an end to the activities of those taking advantage of the situation.
Dr. Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President of HostCom, expressed these concerns during a news conference in Abuja.
He stated, “For over two years following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the settlers remain comfortable. To date, only 76 Development Trusts have been registered, only 45 accounts have been created, only 38 accounts have been funded, and more than 100 Development Trusts are yet to be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
Tamaranebi explained that the settlers are trying to resist change and are using various tactics, including creating misleading narratives, to confuse and deceive the public. However, HostCom remains committed to its mission.
He mentioned that, before the PIA 2021, oil operators and industry players had invested millions of naira in the host communities, but the communities had not seen any significant projects initiated by these players, and they remained in a sorry state.
The establishment of HostComply was meant to address these issues. It is a technological tool designed to interface with settlers and manage projects in host communities professionally, in line with global best practices.
Tamaranebi expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in regulating the sector and ensuring that the intent of the PIA is effectively realized. He emphasized that all regulations issued by the commission went through legal scrutiny and were created in consultation with stakeholders.
The goal is to promote transparency and accountability in the oil and gas industry and ensure that the host communities benefit from the resources extracted from their areas.