Leaders of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) yesterday met with President Muhammadu Buhari, demanding the release of N98bn accrued gas flaring penalties to them.
The communities led by King Alfred Diete-Spiff also demanded that the contract for pipeline security and surveillance be awarded to their company.
The National Chairman of association, Mike Emuh, who spoke on behalf of the communities, said in addition to the payment of the N98bn, henceforth, the release of gas flaring penalties payment should be equally shared between the host communities and the federal government.
“The position canvassed by HOSCON on the subject of gas flare is that the penalty for the continued flaring of gas should be paid directly to the communities who suffer the hazards and harmful effects of gas flaring,” he said.
This, he said was the standard practice globally and Nigeria should not be an exception. He said the engagement of government on the subject matter started since 2009.
The president said their request would be looked into.
