Oil & Energy
HOSTCOM Tasks FG On Oil Blocks’ Allocation
A body known as the Host Communities Of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) has stated that the pursuit of the rights of the people of oil and gas host communities will continue to be its top priority.
National Chairman of the body, Dr Mike Emuh who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently said the Federal Government should allocate oil blocks to indigenes of the Niger Delta region, noting that such operational rights will give the people of the host communities a sense of active participation in the oil and gas industry as well as address the issues of underdevelopement in the Niger Delta.
The chairman said the body will remain committed to the agitation of the denied rights of the people as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He decried a situation where the leaders of the Niger Delta were conspicuously denied ownership of oil blocks, while billions of dollars are being carted away from the region.
Emuh also said that the body was agitating for the control of pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta, noting that HOSTCOM was working with the federal government to ensure that peace reign in the Niger Delta region.
He added that only the presence of peace in the region can attract direct foreign investment and bring sustainable development in the area.
“The presence of gun boats will scare people. Road blocks will scare foreign investors and technical partners. HOSTCOM is creating the enabling environment for relative peace and development to reign in the Niger Delta.
He called on the federal government to live up to the agreement it signed with the body which include,the payment of gas flare penalty levy directly to HOSTCOM, allocation of Oil pipeline surveillance contract to HOSTCOM with every community mandated to secure the pipelines passing through its territory, payment of 13 percent derivation to the host communities and the issuing of licences for modular refineries and gas plants to the host communities.
He regretted that the peace accord signed with the federal government is yet to yield expected dividends through the provision of jobs and economic empowerment of the teeming youths of the region.
The HOSTCOM national chairman appealled to President Muhammadu Buhari to give priority attention to the development of the Niger Delta in the interest of equity in Nigeria, noting that the region has contributed so much for the development of the country.
He called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the development of the Niger Delta by embarking on massive infrastructural and human capacity development in the area.
Taneh Beemene
As part of the restructuring, the company said it had promoted high-performing employees, released retiring staff, and disengaged others whose performance fell below expected standards.
It added that it has also begun implementing a comprehensive employee development and customer management plan to strengthen its service delivery framework.
“In line with its corporate transformation strategy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has announced a restructuring exercise aimed at delivering improved services to its customers as well as enhanced operational efficiency and excellence.
“The restructuring is in line with our strategic direction to become a more responsive and efficient organisation, capable of delivering world-class service to our customers.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the company said.
AEDC noted that the reforms are part of its broader commitment to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to customers across its franchise areas, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
The firm further pledged to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital technologies, and operational innovations to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices.
“AEDC consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for its customers, promote efficient energy usage, and actively engage with its communities,” the statement added.
Nwoko who is also the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, said that forensic reviews show over S22b, S81b and S200b remained unaccounted for across different audit periods.
“I remain committed, alongside my colleagues, to ensuring accountability, recovery, and reform within the oil and gas sector.
Nwoko stated that the Committee had earlier presented its interim report before the senate saying “Our investigation has so far uncovered massive revenue losses amounting to over $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years.
“This represents one of the most troubling cases of economic sabotage our nation has ever faced.
“We have made far-reaching recommendations to end this long-standing menace.
“There is need for strict enforcement of international crude oil measurement standards at all production and export points.
He urged the federal government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern, tamper-proof measuring technology or return this function to the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The senator called for the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including drones, to assist security agencies in combating oil theft.
He also called for the creation of a Special Court for Crude Oil Theft to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators, saying it would also go a long way in tackling the challenge.
“We must also ensure the full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to empower local communities and reduce sabotage.
“Ceding abandoned oil wells to the NUPRC for allocation to modular refineries to support local production and job creation is also very vital in fighting the menace of oil theft and sabotage,” Nwoko further said.