The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has called on the Federal Government to create deliberate integration policies. These policies aim to give the people of the Niger Delta and other critical stakeholders a deeper involvement in the oil and gas industry.
The Chairman of HOSCON and Ovie of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, King Obukowho Monday Whiskey, made this call recently. Speaking at his palace, the monarch addressed several national issues, including security, job creation, and infrastructure.
The HOSCON oil and gas integration proposal seeks to move beyond surface-level participation. According to the King, true involvement will guarantee better security and more inclusive planning for developmental projects.
▌Empowering the Niger Delta through Policy
King Monday Whiskey emphasized that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration must restore the dignity of the people. He urged the government to carry out sustainable and visible transformative projects.
Furthermore, the monarch noted that the Niger Delta people have encouraged the free flow of crude oil and gas. Therefore, the government should appreciate this support through deliberate policies. Specifically, he called for “legacy projects” in road, rail, and water transportation to make movement easier in the region.
▌Confidence in Tantita Security Project
During the briefing, HOSCON expressed strong support for Tantita Security Nigeria Limited. The leadership praised the company for its role in safeguarding oil and gas installations.
The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom highlighted several achievements of the project, including:
- Increased Production: Higher crude oil and gas output for the nation.
- Environmental Restoration: The return of aquatic life and cleaner water bodies.
- Job Creation: The employment of thousands of youths in the region.
Consequently, HOSCON is calling on the Federal Government to expand the operational scope of the Tantita Security project. The monarch stated that the company has proven critics wrong by effectively securing critical national assets.
▌Strengthening National Security and Seaports
On the issue of national security, the Idjerhe Monarch urged the government to allocate constitutional roles to traditional rulers. He argued that traditional rulers are closest to the grassroots. Therefore, they have the best traditional methods to address insecurity across the 774 Local Government Areas.
In addition to security, the King stressed the need to fully utilize South-South seaports. He mentioned the following ports specifically:
- Sapele and Warri
- Burutu and Koko
- Onne and the Ibom Deep Seaport
According to the King, opening these ports would create numerous jobs. It would also provide significant relief to the over-burdened roads in the South-South zone.
▌A Vision for Sustainable Development
In conclusion, the HOSCON oil and gas integration call serves as a roadmap for regional peace and prosperity. By involving local stakeholders and utilizing regional infrastructure, the government can ensure long-term stability in Nigeria’s oil-producing heartland.
The leadership of HOSCON remains committed to working with the Tinubu administration to achieve these goals for the benefit of all Nigerians.
