Revive seaports in South-South, HOSCON Tells Tinubu

IDJERHE - THE Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) has called on President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government to activate and utilise all the major seaports in the South-South zone, and fix the deplorable roads to enable the people have a sense of belonging. 

The group made the call yesterday during an enlarged press briefing at the palace of HRM King Monday Whiskey, PhD, Udurhie I, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom. 

They said that when complied, it will create jobs and lead to economic diversification and decongestion of federal highways.

The Monarch who is the group Chairman while reading the statement said that effective use of ports in Sapele, Warri, Burutu, Koko, Onne and the Ibom Deep Seaport would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime economy, boost oil and gas logistics and significantly improve the living conditions of Niger Delta communities.

 They said Nigeria must begin to maximise existing maritime assets in oil-producing areas to drive inclusive national development.

Udurhie I said the South-South remains underdeveloped despite being the backbone of the country’s oil and gas economy.

HOSCON noted that deliberate federal policies are needed to integrate host communities more deeply into oil and gas operations in their environment, noting that local participation would enhance security, ownership and sustainability of projects.

"Meaningful appreciation of Niger Delta communities must go beyond rhetoric and reflect in visible, people-oriented infrastructure such as functional ports, roads, rail and water transport systems.

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should prioritise transformative projects in the region that would restore dignity to the people and stand the test of time as legacy initiatives."

On maritime and oil assets protection, HOSCON calls for expansion of Tantita Security Nigeria Limited contract, crediting the firm with improved crude oil production, better security of national assets and ongoing environmental restoration.

"Federal Government should expand Tantita’s operational scope, the company has demonstrated professionalism, created employment for thousands of youths and contributed to cleaner waterways and the return of aquatic life." It stated. 

HOSCONd also adressed issues of national security, and advocated constitutional roles for traditional rulers, arguing that monarchs are closest to the grassroots and have proven effective in tackling insecurity within their domains.

On infrastructure, HOSCON decried the poor state of federal roads across the South-South corridor, particularly from Benin City through Sapele, Warri, Ughelli, Port Harcourt, Oron, Uyo and Calabar, and urged urgent rehabilitation.

It further defended the Presidential Amnesty Programme, commending the current Coordinator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for reforms and investments in education, while warning against what it described as orchestrated attacks aimed at derailing the programme. 

"We are deeply concerned that the Federal Government is allowing unnecessary wraggling at the Presidential Amnesty Programme especially coming from faceless and those who treat the Amnesty Programme in their own selfish ways.


"As critical stakeholders in the Niger-Delta project, we have carried out very detailed analysis and professional investigation into the activities of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and we are happy to report that of a truth no coordinator of the programme from inception has taken this bold and courageous step like Dr. Dennis Otuaro is currently doing.

"We therefore call on the Federal Government to encourage the Dr. Dennis Otuaro led Presidential Amnesty Programme to ensure that the laudable programmes been initiated by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme are sustained and improved upon. All ongoing sponsored protests and unfounded allegations against the programme are deeply orchestrated by enemies of the programme who want the old negative order to continue. 

"All genuine advocates of the region who have reasonable suggestions should reach out to the Critical Stakeholders like the Royal Fathers and the other notable figures in the region. The current massive investment of the programme on education is capable of turning the future of our youths to greater productivity and educational advancement and any one working against the success of the programme are doing so for selfish reasons." It added.