The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its unwavering commitment to empowering host communities and fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued during the 2024 end-of-year review in Abuja, HOSTCOM’s National President, High Chief Dr. Benjamin Style Tamaranebi, praised NUPRC, led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, for its remarkable achievements in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Tamaranebi highlighted NUPRC’s key accomplishments, including the creation of 136 Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) and the launch of the HOSTCOMPLY digital platform to ensure transparency and accountability in managing host community funds.

He noted that the Commission has prioritized resolving longstanding issues, such as the completion of the Marginal Field Bid Round and the establishment of a Community Dispute Resolution Center in Bayelsa State. This center, the first of its kind, provides an accessible platform for resolving disputes between host communities and oil companies, eliminating the need to travel to Lagos for arbitration.

Tamaranebi lauded NUPRC’s efforts in boosting Nigeria’s oil production from 1.6 million barrels per day to 2 million barrels per day. He also acknowledged the Commission’s role in attracting foreign investments, citing the recent $5 billion Bonga North Deep offshore project as a testament to the government’s commitment to revitalizing the oil and gas sector.

The HOSTCOM President further applauded the formulation and implementation of the Host Communities Development Regulation No. 114 of 2022, which was unveiled under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He highlighted NUPRC’s sensitization programs conducted in 13 locations, which educated stakeholders on the PIA, and its development of 17 regulations, including 13 already gazetted—with host community regulations prioritized.
The Commission’s introduction of 3% operational expenditure (OPEX) funding for host communities and partnerships with IT firms to create the HOSTCOMPLY platform were recognized as groundbreaking steps toward accountability and fairness.

Looking ahead to 2025, HOSTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NUPRC and other stakeholders tnsure full implementation of the 3% OPEX fund for host communities.
HOSTCOM also pledged commitment to addressing oil theft and unrest in the Niger Delta as well as protect host community rights and promote inclusive development.
Tamaranebi urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum, emphasizing that NUPRC’s initiatives under Engr Komolafe’s leadership have set a solid foundation for growth and prosperity in oil-producing regions.
The statement concluded with appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and ministers for their support in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank,
has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal and Ekiti State Governments to release human rights lawyer Dr. Dele Farotimi from remand.
He warned that failure to do so would result in nationwide protests, urging Nigerians to occupy police stations and formations if Farotimi is not freed within the stipulated time.

The ultimatum follows the decision of the Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court, Ado Ekiti Division, on Wednesday to remand Farotimi in custody. He was arraigned over alleged defamation stemming from claims in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, of compromising the Supreme Court.

Frank, however, argued that Farotimi’s arrest goes beyond the defamation charges, calling it a politically motivated attempt to silence the outspoken activist.
He accused the government of using the judiciary and police as tools of repression to intimidate critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“This is not about Afe Babalola’s petition. Farotimi’s arrest is a deliberate attempt to muzzle his criticism of anti-people policies,” Frank said. “Farotimi is a man of principle and law. He should not be subjected to this degrading experience for a bailable offense.”

Frank condemned the handling of the case, stating that Farotimi’s arrest violated the spirit of democracy and due process. “If the government had any genuine concerns, they should have invited him lawfully, not through harassment and unlawful detention,” he added.

As the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to use state institutions to suppress free speech. He warned that what is happening to Farotimi today could happen to any Nigerian tomorrow.

Citing German pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous words about the dangers of silence in the face of oppression, Frank urged Nigerians to act now. “First, they came for Farotimi. If we don’t speak out, who will be next?”

Member Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi federal constituency of Kano State, Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijani, has criticized the proposed Tax Reform Bills, labeling them “anti-masses” and “capitalistic.” Speaking during an interview, he asserted that the bills would burden ordinary Nigerians rather than address the country’s real economic challenges.

Dr. Tijani, with a background in international corporate finance, expressed deep concerns about the implications of the reforms. “These bills are designed to tax the poor while ignoring untapped revenue sources such as mining and the prevention of tax evasion,” he said. He emphasized that instead of introducing new taxes, the government should focus on plugging existing revenue leakages and promoting economic growth.

The proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% by 2030 is particularly troubling, according to Tijani. “Such a hike will hit the poorest Nigerians hardest, as there are no mechanisms to shield low-income earners from its impact,” he warned.

Addressing concerns that the bills may unfairly target the North, Tijani highlighted the opposition from the Northern Governors Forum, stating, “Their rejection shows these reforms do not serve the best interests of their people.”
He dismissed claims of regional tax evasion, noting that tax compliance issues are a governance challenge, not a regional one.
When asked about the current state of the economy, Tijani agreed with Nigerian artist Davido’s recent comment that the economy is “in shambles.” He urged the government to focus on job creation, healthcare, and education rather than increasing taxes, suggesting tax holidays for small and medium-sized enterprises as a more effective strategy.

In conclusion, Tijani called for the Tax Reform Bills to be discarded, emphasizing that they are ill-timed and would only worsen the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. “We need policies that stabilize the economy and provide real relief, not additional burdens,” he stressed.