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RMAFC Chairman Pledges Continued Support For Oil And Gas Host Communities

Published

11 months ago

November 12, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that host communities in Nigeria’s oil and gas-producing areas receive fair and transparent benefits in line with constitutional provisions.

Dr. Shehu stated this when he received a delegation from the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), led by its Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday 11th November 2025.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Shehu commended HOSCON for its peaceful and consultative approach toward addressing issues of resource allocation and environmental justice in oil-producing areas. He emphasized that, “Without the peace and cooperation of the host communities, the exploration and production of oil and gas in Nigeria would not be possible.”

The Chairman assured the delegation that the Commission would study their detailed position paper and engage other relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable frameworks that guarantee transparency and fairness in the disbursement and utilization of the 13% derivation fund. “The issue involves a delicate balance between constitutional provisions, judicial interpretations, and state-level management,” he added.

In his remarks, Prince Michael Emuh, National Chairman of HOSCON, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the warm reception, describing the engagement as, “A new dawn for the long-neglected communities that lay the golden egg.” He lamented that despite the fact that their communities provide the bulk of the resources in the country, they are often marginalized.

During the interactive session, Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, commended HOSCON’s presentation, describing it as timely and insightful. He called for closer collaboration between host communities and key institutions to develop practical monitoring mechanisms for the 13% derivation fund.

Also speaking, Hon. Nkechi Otti, Federal Commissioner representing Abia State, charged the host communities to protect the projects executed by the state government from the fund so as to safeguard them from vandalisation.

Hon. Mohammed Kabeer Usman, Federal Commissioner representing Gombe State, encouraged HOSCON to pursue its advocacy through dialogue and legal instruments, stating that “Achieving results requires engaging the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and State Governments, not confrontation.”

Also speaking, Hon. Ibrahim Sa’ad Bello, Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State, underscored the need for a defined constitutional framework to ensure that funds meant for host communities reach the grassroots.

In his contribution, Hon. Imoh Akpan Effiong, Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, appreciated the HOSCON delegation for their visit and constructive engagement. He assured that the Commission would carefully review their submissions and take every necessary step to ensure a lasting framework for host community inclusion.

The Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaeze reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to fairness and transparency while giving the assurance that the advocacy efforts of the host communities will not be in vain.

The Technical Assistant to the Chairman, Prof. Aliyu Idris commended HOSCON for engaging with RMAFC through the right institutional channel. He advised the group to submit a memorandum to the National Assembly proposing a constitutional management framework for the 13% derivation, noting that once such a framework is embedded in the Constitution, it becomes mandatory for all state governments to comply.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

5 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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