Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Host Communities of Nigeria, HOSTCON, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release the funds realised from gas flare penalties, to oil and gas producing communities in the Niger Delta region, who bear the brunt of gas flaring.
Chairman of HOSTCON, Prof Jasper made the call at its 2022 annual meeting, attended by federal government representatives and security agencies in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, with the theme, reviving Nigeria’s oil and gas host communities for inclusive and sustainable development.
Jumbo explained that the funds will benefit the establishment of artisanal refineries in the Niger Delta region.
He urged all factions in the host communities to put their personal interests aside and work together to achieve an inclusive and sustainable development for the communities.
“I want the government to expeditiously release the gas flare penalty tax funds, which they have approved before now, about the sum of N8.4billion.
“Mr President should issue an executive order to this effect and also inaugurate an implementational committee drawn up from these communities, as acceptable to govenrment.
“We have asked government to try as much as possible that in releasing this money, they should also ensure that part of that money is used by HOSTCON or by the people from the host communities in ensuring the commendable objectives of government in setting up of three pilot artisanal refineries in the region.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji, represented by the Rivers State Director, Mohammed Shittu, said the agency will continue to partner with stakeholders stop the sabotage of the nation’s economic resources.
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