By Chijioke Nwakpa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been commended for the smooth running of Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) in oil-producing communities across Nigeria.

The commendation was made at a gathering of the leadership of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The forum, convened to deliberate on sustainable development, unity, peace and security in the Niger Delta, described the successful operation of 172 HCDTs as a major achievement under President Tinubu’s administration.

Participants also applauded the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its competence and teamwork in driving the process. They further appealed for all oil-producing communities in the region to be fully captured to accelerate development.

The meeting also deliberated on Gas Flare Penalty Funds, which stakeholders said have been withheld from host communities for decades. They called on President Tinubu to release the funds to support development in environmentally degraded communities in the Niger Delta.

The forum urged the President to release the Gas Flare Penalty Funds to HOSTCOM, noting that such a step would strengthen goodwill and support in the region.

Stakeholders thanked the national leadership of HOSTCOM for providing the platform for engagement and specially appreciated the National President of HOSTCOM, His Highness Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi Style, JP, for his leadership.

The gathering, aimed at fostering unity for greater peace and development, attracted critical stakeholders from oil and gas producing states.