The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Niger Delta leaders have reiterated the need for sustained development in oil-producing communities through effective implementation of the Host Communities Development Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

During a stakeholders’ engagement session in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, NNPC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the PIA funds are properly utilised to address key developmental challenges in host communities.

The engagement was attended by the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), which represents a cluster of Koluama One and Two, Ezetu One and Two, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, Sangana, Opu Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu and Oginibiri. The communities benefit from the NNPCL/FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (JV).

Lokpobiri commended the NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P JV for sustaining its strategic partnership with the KEFFESO HCDT. He urged community leaders to prioritise peace and stability, warning that unrest and insecurity could disrupt oil operations and affect remittances to the Host Community Fund.

Speaking at the event, NNPCL Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Seyi Omotowa, represented by Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Edith Lawson, stated that the company remains committed to ensuring that the 3 per cent Host Community Fund prescribed by the PIA is channelled towards critical community needs such as education, healthcare and infrastructure. He emphasised that collaboration among stakeholders is vital for achieving long-term socio-economic development in the region.

Also speaking, the Executive Commissioner for Safety, Environment, and Community at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), John Tonlagha, representing NUPRC CEO, Gbenga Komolafe, described the institutionalisation of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) as a milestone in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. He stressed that the initiative fosters governance, transparency, and accountability in community development efforts.

Similarly, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Board’s Director of Legal Services, Naboth Onyesoh, commended the KEFFESO HCDT for its commitment to sustainable development. He also lauded the NUPRC for incorporating over 100 HCDTs, aimed at boosting socio-economic growth in oil communities.

The Managing Director of FIRST E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, represented by Mr John Alamu, praised the KEFFESO HCDT for fostering dialogue, collaboration and accountability, describing it as a model for other host community development trusts.

Chairman of the KEFFESO HCDT, His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus, expressed appreciation to the NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P JV for ensuring that host communities derive significant benefits from the PIA framework.

The session concluded with a collective call for continuous collaboration among all stakeholders as the stakeholders emphasised that the success of the PIA’s Host Community Development Fund depends on strong partnerships, transparency, and a shared commitment to sustainable development in the Niger Delta.