The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) have called on oil and gas host communities in the Niger Delta to seize the opportunity presented by the newly signed Executive Order 9 to demand the timely release of funds due to them under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The call was made during the maiden edition of the live interactive industry programme, Energy and Maritime Focus, organised by EMR and anchored by Ibigoni Kalio on Rivers State Television (RSTV).
Speaking during the programme, EMR members urged host communities to engage the Federal Government constructively and advocate for an upward review of the current three per cent Host Community Development Trust Fund allocation under the PIA. According to the group, increasing the percentage would enable oil-bearing communities to benefit more meaningfully from the reforms introduced by the Act.
The discussion also focused on Presidential Executive Order 9, recently signed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which mandates the direct remittance of all oil and gas revenues into the Federation Account.
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EMR members, Martins Giadom and BusinessDay Editor, Ignatius Chukwu, noted that while the order promotes transparency and revenue accountability, there is a need for balanced implementation that safeguards the interests of host communities.
The analysts further called on the Federal Government to consider an upward review of host community benefits under the PIA in order to promote equity, sustainable development, and lasting peace in oil-producing areas.
In industry reportage, the experts advocated a bottom-up approach to covering maritime, oil, and gas sector activities. They emphasised that empowering home-based journalists in the Niger Delta with access to timely and accurate information would strengthen credible reporting, enhance stakeholder engagement, and foster sustainable growth within the marine and energy industries.
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to promoting transparency, informed dialogue, and inclusive development across Nigeria’s energy and maritime sectors.
