NEWS
Dissolve Contentious HCDT Immediately – RMAFC to NUPRC
Following concerns about the constitution and representation of Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has ordered the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to dissolve the affected HCDT within 48 hours.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the commission on Friday and signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Maryam Umar-Yusuf.
The directive was ignited by an investigative hearing into the operations of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and the implementation of the HCDT provisions under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
According to the statement, the ultimatum was issued during the hearing of the commission’s Investment Monitoring Committee (IMC) after concerns were raised over the establishment of the trust for affected host communities.
The Chairman of the RMAFC, Mohammed Shehu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting the interests of oil-producing host communities, saying it would continue to strengthen oversight of operators and institutions responsible for ensuring that communities receive the benefits due to them under the law.
READ ALSO: Domestic Refineries’ Crude Supply Shortages Compel NMDPRA, NUPRC Negotiation
Shehu, who spoke at the investigative hearing held at the commission’s headquarters on Thursday, described the exercise as “an important national service and a critical national responsibility.”
He commended the committee for its diligence and urged members to remain resolute, stressing that the commission’s constitutional mandate required “firm oversight, transparency and accountability in the management of national revenue assets.”
According to the statement, he expressed confidence that the investigation would strengthen trust in the petroleum sector and ensure that host communities received the full benefits guaranteed under the PIA.
Leading the hearing, the Chairman of the IMC and Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Ekene Enefe, conducted an extensive investigation into SEEPCO’s compliance with the statutory provisions governing Host Community Development Trusts.
He maintained that host communities should no longer bear the environmental and social consequences of oil exploration without corresponding development, adding that the commission would ensure operators and regulatory institutions discharged their statutory obligations.
The committee also criticised SEEPCO for repeatedly failing to honour invitations to appear before it despite previous engagements.
Addressing officials of the NUPRC during the hearing, Enefe said the commission would hold every institution in the petroleum value chain accountable for the effective discharge of its responsibilities.
He consequently ordered the regulator to address concerns surrounding the trust established for the affected communities, declaring, “We are going to give you 48 hours to dissolve that Host Community Development Trust.”
The committee chairman also faulted SEEPCO over what he described as its failure to meet obligations owed to host communities. “We are going to write them, and we are going to give them an ultimatum to pay up what is owed to the host communities,” Enefe said.
He added that the committee would conclude its investigation and submit its findings to the appropriate authorities, insisting that the commission would carry out its constitutional oversight responsibilities “without fear or favour.”
Earlier, the NUPRC delegation, led by the Director of Host Communities, Ufondu Ejiro, defended the implementation of the HCDT established under the PIA.
According to the statement, Ejiro told the committee that the trust had been duly incorporated, funded and structured in accordance with the law.
She said the commission had processed documents relating to community consultations, governance structures, funding arrangements and Community Development Plans, while also presenting records of statutory contributions made into the trust.
The NUPRC maintained that it discharged its responsibilities within the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act and the Host Community Development Regulations.
However, counsel representing the affected host communities, Peter Chukwudi, rejected the regulator’s submissions, insisting that several persons recognised as community representatives were not accepted by the communities.
He also argued that adequate consultations were not conducted before the HCDT was constituted and questioned the level of development recorded in the affected communities despite years of oil production.
Chukwudi urged the committee to ensure that the grievances raised by the communities were thoroughly investigated.
Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof Charles Ofoegbu, called for stronger collaboration between the NUPRC and the state government in verifying community representation and monitoring compliance with statutory obligations.
He advocated greater transparency in calculating statutory contributions, operational expenditure and the execution of community development projects, stressing that the state government had a responsibility to protect the interests of its oil-producing communities.
Other members of the commission also raised concerns during the hearing. The Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, said there appeared to be a disconnect between the regulator and affected state governments, adding that closer collaboration and direct engagement with operators were necessary for effective oversight.
He also criticised SEEPCO for failing to attend the hearing and urged all parties to cooperate with the investigation.
The Federal Commissioner representing Kogi State, Abdulazeez Idris-King, questioned the effectiveness of the NUPRC’s verification process, saying reliance solely on documents submitted by operators might not sufficiently establish that genuine consultations had taken place with host communities.
Similarly, the Federal Commissioner representing Jigawa State, Hauwa Umar-Aliyu, stressed the need for regulators to uphold professionalism and impartiality, saying public confidence would only be strengthened if the interests of host communities received equal attention alongside those of operators.
According to the statement, the hearing forms part of the commission’s ongoing oversight initiative aimed at promoting transparency, strengthening accountability and ensuring that host communities derive the benefits guaranteed under the PIA.
Recall that the HCDT was created under the PIA 2021 as a framework for ensuring that communities where oil and gas operations take place receive direct and sustainable benefits from petroleum activities.
The PIA requires petroleum operators, known as settlors, to establish trusts for their host communities and contribute 3 per cent of their actual annual operating expenditure in the preceding year to the funds. The trusts are intended to finance community development projects and promote peaceful relations between operators and host communities.
The NUPRC is responsible for regulating the trusts, including their incorporation, funding, governance and the implementation of development projects. The provision was introduced against the background of decades of grievances in oil-producing communities over environmental impacts, inadequate development and disputes with petroleum companies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as a special favour from Almighty Allah, saying his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is a privilege that must be matched with dedicated service to the country.
Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), during which he was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation the rare privilege.
SEE MORE: APC Defends Tinubu Over Electricity Promise, Says President Is Tackling Sector’s Challenges
Speaking after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing, considering the millions of people in the country.
“I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.
The President also disclosed that he used the opportunity to pray for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” Tinubu said.
Recalling his previous Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, he said he had asked Allah to bless the journey and promised to return to express gratitude.
Tinubu also reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which establishes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and authority, with the power to give and take leadership.
He said the message reinforces the need for those entrusted with positions of authority to exercise power responsibly, with humility and in the interest of the people.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, investing in the future of young Nigerians and pursuing development in line with the aspirations of the people.
Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual experience, adding that it reflected the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The Ogun State Police Command has received three major honours at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council’s Golden Jubilee Press Week, with Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni named a Golden Jubilee Ambassador.
The Command received the Shield of Public Safety Award, while its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, was presented with the Vanguard of Public Safety Award.
The recognition formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the NUJ in Ogun State, which coincides with the state’s 50th anniversary.
SEE ALSO: Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Serial Burglar, Recover Stolen Items Worth ₦16.2m
According to a statement released on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi, the awards recognised the Command’s commitment to public safety, proactive policing and effective engagement with the media.
The Golden Jubilee Press Week, held from October 26 to November 1, 2026, was themed, “Truth, Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”
Ojajuni also participated in a panel session during the celebration, where he urged journalists to uphold truth, professional ethics and patriotism, stressing the importance of responsible journalism to national development and public confidence in public institutions.
While receiving the Shield of Public Safety Award, the police commissioner attributed the Command’s achievements, particularly the impact of Operation KOSAYE, to the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, under the Handshake Patrol initiative.
He explained that the operation was carried out on the directive of the IGP through collaboration between the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, with support from the governors of both states.
According to him, the initiative strengthened security cooperation between the two states and improved coordinated efforts to prevent and combat criminal activities.
Ojajuni was also named among 50 distinguished personalities recognised as Golden Jubilee Ambassadors.
The honour reflects his leadership and previous contributions to policing in Ogun State, where he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department and Squadron Commander of the 16 Police Mobile Force, Abeokuta, before becoming commissioner.
Similarly, Babaseyi received the Vanguard of Public Safety Award in recognition of his contributions to police-public communication, media engagement and public safety advocacy.
The commissioner dedicated the honours to the Inspector-General of Police and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, acknowledging their commitment and sacrifices in protecting lives and property.
The Command also commended the NUJ Ogun State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, for the recognition and its role in promoting constructive engagement between journalists and security institutions.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, noting that effective policing depends not only on operational deployment but also on public trust, timely information and stakeholder engagement.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on traditional rulers to strengthen their collaboration with the government and security agencies to tackle insecurity and protect farmers, traders and other residents across the state.
Radda made the appeal during a meeting with the District Head of Bakori, Alhaji Garba Tukur Idris, Makaman Katsina, and other traditional leaders in Bakori Local Government Area.
The engagement, which formed part of activities of the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 Campaign Council, was disclosed in a statement issued on November 1, 2026, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
SEE ALSO: NSC Chair Dikko Vows to End Salary Delays for Nigerian Coaches, Players
The governor said traditional institutions remained essential to efforts to achieve lasting security and development, particularly because of their influence and close relationship with local communities.
“Government cannot achieve sustainable security and grassroots development without the active cooperation of traditional rulers, community elders and other local stakeholders,” Radda said.
He urged traditional leaders to work more closely with security agencies and other community stakeholders to address security threats and strengthen peace across their respective communities.
“Your role in maintaining peace and order in our communities is very important. We need your cooperation to address security challenges and advance development at the grassroots,” he added.
Radda also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening security operations and ensuring farmers could access their farmlands while traders conducted their businesses without fear.
He called for a coordinated approach involving traditional rulers, security agencies, political leaders, youths and women, stressing the importance of collective action in tackling insecurity and creating economic opportunities.
In his response, the District Head of Bakori, Garba Tukur Idris, welcomed the governor and his delegation, commending the engagement and the relationship between the government and traditional institutions.
Idris identified agriculture, trading and commerce as the major economic activities in Bakori, while highlighting the area’s skilled and unskilled labour force, dams and boreholes as resources that could support increased agricultural productivity and attract investment.
He also commended the cooperation among traditional institutions, local government authorities, security agencies and residents in maintaining peace, urging stakeholders to sustain the collaboration to protect their communities.
The Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Barde, said the delegation was also in the area to seek the blessings and support of traditional rulers and community stakeholders for the Tinubu–Dikko 2027 campaign.
The delegation included Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal; Campaign Director-General, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Campaign Council Co-Chairman, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; Deputy Director-General, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and Secretary-General, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, among others.
‘Becoming Nigeria’s President Is a Divine Blessing’ – Tinubu
Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador
Afreximbank Charts Côte d’Ivoire’s Rise as a Regional Growth Leader in WA
Oando Production Hits 42,985 boepd as Revenue Grows 9% in 9M 2026
Nigeria Moots Oil Industry Deal with Indonesia
Insecurity: Radda Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Partnership to Protect Farmers, Communities
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
