By Staff Reporter

ASABA — Stakeholders in Delta State have commended the leadership of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) for what they described as effective coordination of host community affairs, while urging the body to intensify efforts in securing greater access to derivation funds for oil-bearing communities.

The commendation was directed at the state leadership of HOSTCOM, led by Chairman Sunday Ndidi Enujeke and Secretary Joseph Lamienghan, whom stakeholders said have strengthened unity among oil-producing communities and enhanced organisational cohesion across the state.

Speaking with journalists, stakeholders including Chief Harrison Abuge from Delta Central and Chief Mrs. Gloria Opute from Delta North lauded the leadership’s grassroots mobilisation efforts, particularly during the 2023 general elections.

They noted that HOSTCOM demonstrated strong organisational capacity by mobilising members across the 25 local government areas of the state to participate in the electoral process.

However, the stakeholders stressed the need for the organisation to expand its focus beyond mobilisation to more assertive advocacy for the interests of host communities.

According to them, oil-producing communities should benefit more directly from derivation funds, given their contributions to the nation’s economy and the impact of oil exploration on their environment and livelihoods.

They called for a more strategic and firm engagement with relevant authorities to ensure that funds meant for host communities are fully accessed and effectively utilised.

Mrs. Opute, in her remarks, described the push for derivation funds as a matter of equity, noting that host communities should receive adequate attention in resource allocation.

The stakeholders also advised the HOSTCOM leadership to adopt a strategic approach to political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, urging the body to align with policies and actors that prioritise the welfare of host communities.

They concluded by encouraging the leadership to build on its current achievements while strengthening advocacy efforts to secure improved outcomes for oil-producing communities across Delta State.