Stakeholders are advocating for strategic partnerships between host communities, oil and gas companies, regulators, and government as crucial for the effective implementation of the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

During a Stakeholders Forum organized by the KEFFESSO Host Community Development Trust at the NCDMB Conference Centre in Yenagoa, participants emphasized the importance of collaboration in a one-day interactive session.

The theme of the engagement was ‘Strengthening Visionary Leadership, Accountability, and Inclusive Growth in Host Communities.’

The KEFFESSO Host Community Development Trust comprises 11 host communities in Southern Ijaw and Brass LGAs of Bayelsa State.

This trust, established under the PIA 2021, is responsible for managing the proceeds of the 3% annual operating expenditure of the oil company operating in the area for the development of host communities.

In his address, Chairman of the KEFFESSO HCDT Board of Trustees, King Moses Theophilus, highlighted the successes of the trust and stressed the need for stakeholders to unite in achieving the objective of community development.

He acknowledged the transformative nature of the PIA but also pointed out the challenges that need to be addressed, such as local community participation in contracting, employment opportunities, and capacity building.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of collaboration among communities, settlers, regulators, and development partners to drive inclusive growth and sustainability.

He called for stronger partnerships, shared learning, and collective problem-solving to maximize impact and efficiency.

Distinguished participants, while we acknowledge the PIA as a transformative framework that has placed development opportunities directly in the hands of our communities, we must also be candid in recognizing that its implementation is not without challenges. There are still gaps that require deliberate attention particularly in areas such as local community participation in contracting and subcontracting, employment opportunities, and sustained capacity building for our people.

“The PIA, therefore, must be seen not as a complete solution in itself, but as a strong foundation upon which we must continue to build through intentional actions and sustained commitment. This is why collaboration is no longer optional it is essential. It is imperative that we, as stakeholders across all sectors, come together to forge coordinated and practical solutions to these challenges. Within the HCDTs especially, there is a growing need for stronger alignment, shared learning, and collective problem-solving to avoid duplication, improve efficiency, and maximize impact.

“By strengthening partnerships among communities, settlers, regulators, and development partners, and by fostering a culture of synergy and accountability, we can build a more resilient and effective framework one that not only delivers projects, but also drives inclusive growth, equity, and long-term sustainability across our communities.

Managing Director and CEO of the settlors, First Exploration and Production, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero represented by the Head, Social Performance, Ayebatonye Basuo stressed that the partnership with KEFFESSO HCDT had resulted in many intervention programmes including medical outreach and educational schemes that has benefitted community members and fostered peace and social stability in communities.

He said, “First E&P’s relationship with KEFFESO HCDT is anchored on partnership. Our commitment to the communities in which we operate goes far beyond the business of energy or our regulatory obligations.

It is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility to the people and places that make our work possible. Through our robust portfolio of social investments focused on health, education and enterprise development, we are striving to create a better, sustainable future for all with a special focus on the communities that we operate in.

Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engineer Felix Omatsola-Ogbe represented by the Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu pledged the NCDMB’s continued support to HCDTs and host communities especially in the implementation of the PIA.

“I commend NNPC and First E&P for partnering with KEFFESO HCDT in a structured manner that aligns with the spirit of the PIA—turning development from a promise into a process: planned, funded, executed, and measured.

“My message today is simple: we all have a role. Community leaders must keep the vision clear and the people united. Youth and women must be included not as observers, but as decision-makers and drivers of progress.

“Industry partners must continue engagement with respect, transparency, and consistency. And institutions.

There were goodwill messages from Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State through the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Peter Afagha, and key note addresses by the Authority Chief Executive of Nigerian Mainstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Engineer Sayidu Mohammed, represented by the Bayelsa State Coordinator Godwin Iruafemiand CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Mrs. OritsemeyiwaEyesan represented by the Field Coordinator, Bayelsa State Mr. Sylvester Bighoro .

The event also featured workshops for HCDT Chairmen and Secretaries as well as women, youths and community representatives and a plenary session.