The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) have lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold reforms in the oil and gas sector, saying they are stabilising the industry, attracting investment, and delivering real benefits to host communities across the Niger Delta and other producing regions.
National President of HOSTCOM, His Highness Dr. Benjamin Style Tamaranebi, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that as Nigeria enters 2026, the President’s leadership has addressed long-standing challenges of crude oil theft, environmental degradation, and declining production—issues that have historically weakened national revenue and stalled community development.
“One of the most decisive interventions of the Tinubu administration has been strengthening oil asset protection and surveillance,” Dr. Tamaranebi said. “Through the deployment of Tantita Security Services Limited, alongside state security agencies, crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering have dropped drastically. This has restored stability to the sector while boosting production and government revenue.”
HOSTCOM also praised the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), describing it as a “living framework delivering tangible results.” Through Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), the association said, oil-producing communities have accessed over ₦300 billion in development funds over three years. Projects addressing infrastructure, healthcare, education, and human capital development are now taking shape across oil-producing states.
The association further commended President Tinubu’s strategic appointments, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, PhD, as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), for bringing professionalism and focus to the sector. Similarly, Mrs. Eritsemeyiwa Eyesan’s appointment as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reflects the President’s commitment to competence, inclusiveness, and building trust with host communities.
“These reforms are reversing years of neglect and positioning Nigeria as a reliable global energy producer,” HOSTCOM said. “Host communities are finally being recognised as key stakeholders rather than afterthoughts.”
While acknowledging that the reforms pose short-term challenges, HOSTCOM urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, stressing that sustainable growth requires consistency, peace, and collective effort.
In a strong endorsement, HOSTCOM, alongside its Grand Patron, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tonpolo), reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership and vision for Nigeria’s oil sector and national development.
“We call on all stakeholders to give peace a chance, protect national assets, and support the President’s reform agenda for the continued growth of the oil and gas industry and prosperity of host communities,” the statement concluded.