Delta HOSTCOM Under Pressure to Demand Fair Share of Derivation Funds

 

By Wilson Macaulay

The leadership of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) in Delta State, under the stewardship of Senior Comrade Chief Sunday Ndidi Enujeke as Chairman and High Comrade Joseph Lamienghan as Secretary, has come under growing pressure from stakeholders to adopt a more assertive stance in demanding the fair share of derivation funds due to oil-bearing communities across the state.

While acknowledging the strides recorded by the current leadership in unifying host communities and strengthening internal coordination, stakeholders say the time has come for HOSTCOM to move beyond administrative engagement and assume a more forceful advocacy role. They noted that the body has demonstrated commendable leadership capacity, particularly in mobilizing grassroots support and sustaining cohesion among member communities.

Speaking with journalists, prominent stakeholders including Chief Harrison Abuge from Delta Central and Chief Mrs. Gloria Opute from Delta North commended the leadership for its organizational strength, especially during the 2023 general elections where HOSTCOM reportedly played a key role in mobilizing participation across the 25 local government areas of the state.

However, they expressed concern that despite its political relevance and demonstrated capacity, HOSTCOM has yet to translate its influence into concrete gains in terms of direct access to derivation funds meant for host communities. According to them, continued reliance on appeals rather than strategic negotiation has limited the impact of the body’s advocacy.

“We commend the leadership of HOSTCOM for the good work they are doing, but we must also be honest to say that more needs to be done. HOSTCOM should not be seen to be begging for funds that rightfully belong to host communities,” the stakeholders stated, stressing that derivation funds are statutory entitlements that must be pursued with clarity, firmness, and institutional confidence.

They further emphasized that oil-producing communities have long borne the environmental and economic consequences of oil exploration, including degradation, loss of livelihoods, and infrastructural neglect. As such, they argued that justice and equity demand that host communities have direct and unhindered access to funds allocated for their development.

Chief Mrs. Gloria Opute, in her remarks, described the struggle for derivation funds as a matter of fairness and survival, noting that host communities cannot continue to remain at the receiving end of environmental challenges without commensurate compensation. She urged the leadership of Delta HOSTCOM to intensify engagement with relevant authorities while maintaining a united front capable of negotiating from a position of strength.

The stakeholders also called for a strategic recalibration ahead of the 2027 political cycle, advising HOSTCOM to leverage its influence more effectively in shaping political outcomes that favor the interests of host communities. They maintained that the organization remains a critical bloc in Delta State politics and must align with actors who demonstrate genuine commitment to the welfare of oil-producing areas.

They concluded by urging the leadership of Chief Sunday Ndidi Enujeke and High Comrade Joseph Lamienghan to consolidate on existing achievements and transition into a more assertive advocacy phase that guarantees measurable benefits. According to them, the future relevance of HOSTCOM will depend largely on its ability to secure tangible development outcomes and ensure that derivation funds truly serve the communities they are intended to uplift.