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PIB: Host Communities Demand 2.5% Production Quantum To Run 11 Modular Refineries
The Executive National Chairman, Host Communities of Nigeria, Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), Prince Mike Emuh, has urged the National Assembly, to stipulate that 2.5 per cent per flow station production quantum be given to producing host communities to enable them access crude oil to administer the modular refineries recommended for the 11 oil and gas producing states.
Emuh, who spoke against the backdrop of the guarantee by Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would be passed before the end of this month, said, “In the memorandum of HOSCON delivered to NASS, we advocated for 2.5 per cent per flow station production quantum to be given to the producing host communities in order for the host communities to have access to crude oil to run the modular refineries being proposed by HOSCON across the 11 oil and gas producing states.
“In totality, we say no to 10 per cent equity participation because the host communities cannot afford it, as it is the responsibility and duties of NNPC and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources,” Emuh stated.
The HOSCON chairman also urged the National Assembly to make it obligatory for International Oil Companies (IOCs), and National Oil Companies (NOCs), functioning in Nigeria to site their corporate headquarters in different expanses of operations in the oil and gas producing states.
“The IOCs and NOCs should relocate their corporate headquarters to their various areas of operations and bases in the oil and gas producing states as they have no business outside their field of operation.
“They are not getting their crude oil for their operation where they currently reside their corporate offices. The relocation of their corporate offices to their areas of operations will create the needed employment and development for the host communities.
“We, HOSCON, would want to encourage the 9th NASS to expedite action on the passage of the PIB that has remained unattended to for the past 14 years. It will be of rich history when the 9th NASS passes this bill as the first law to be in favour of the host communities producing oil and gas in Nigeria.
“This will create room for industrialization of communities and employment for the people of the communities, who are already impoverished by the present system in place. This proposed system by HOSCON will also reduce the over dependence on imported petroleum products.
“The 9th NASS should reflect on the bill that the gas flare penalty levy be paid directly to the host communities.
“The creation of Host Communities Trust Fund Commission is to accommodate the direct payment of gas flare penalty levy and 13 per cent oil and gas derivation fund are to be managed by the host communities nominees and to administer the proposed Host Communities Trust Fund.
“In totality we say no to 10 per cent equity participation because the host communities cannot afford it, as it is the responsibility and duties of NNPC and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
“Finally, in the PIB, NASS should create laws that will favour the host communities in terms of oil block allocation to the host communities and the traditional rulers of the oil and gas producing states,” he said.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.