Petralon 54, an indigenous exploration and production company and sole operator of the Dawes-Island Field in Rivers State, has inaugurated the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT) for Dawes-Island communities — Ogoloma and Koniama (Okochiri and Koniju) — in Okrika Local Council.
The event, held on October 22 and 23, 2025, in Port Harcourt, marks another milestone in the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance, responsible business conduct, stakeholder welfare, and community development.
The inauguration, witnessed by key industry stakeholders, brought together top government officials, oil industry regulators, community leaders, women leaders, and representatives of traditional rulers (Amanayabos) from the host communities.
Among the dignitaries present were Ndukwe Patrick, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs; Olatokunbo Karimu, Assistant Director, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); and Dr Ogechi Opete, Deputy Director, NUPRC Port Harcourt Regional Office, who represented the Chief Executive, Engr. Kayode Komolafe.
Others included Felix Amiesimaka, Okochiri Community Chairman; Chief Ajubo Jamabo (JP); Chief Nyengala Justice, representing His Royal Majesty King Winston Odiye Alamina Oputibeya XII, the Amanayabo of Koniju Kingdom; and representatives of the Amanayabos of Okochiri and Ogoloma Kingdoms.
Welcoming guests, Founder and CEO of Petralon Energy, Mr Ahonsi Unuigbe, said the establishment of the HCDTs was “not just compliance with Section Three of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021), but an expression of our company’s ingrained culture of identifying, addressing and aligning with the needs and aspirations of our stakeholders, especially the communities hosting our operations.”
He added: “We are making history today by coming together to create a beautiful future for the next generation and charting a path for sustainable partnership, empowerment, and inclusive growth with the inauguration of Development Trusts for our host communities.”
Also speaking, Executive Director of Petralon 54, Mr Uduakobong Equere, described the event as “a shared commitment to progress, equity, and sustainability,” noting that the Trusts place community development, transparency, and inclusiveness at the centre of extractive industry operations.
“These Trusts belong to the people of Ogoloma and Koniama, and they are designed to ensure that the benefits of oil and gas operations are visible, measurable, and sustainable at the grassroots level,” he said.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Okochiri Host Community Development Trust, Chief (Dr) Chris Biriowu, commended Petralon 54 for its transparency and genuine concern for community welfare.
“I am happy to be part of this process that will bring empowerment to our people and development to our community. I applaud the leadership of Petralon 54 for their noble intentions and assure the company of the people’s cooperation,” he said.
Similarly, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ogoloma Host Community Development Trust, Chief Miebaka Tamunopekerebia, described Petralon 54 as “a people-centric and responsible organisation with a strong commitment to partnership and collaboration.”
He said: “Today’s event is a milestone that redefines the relationship between host communities and exploration companies. With the HCDT, a sustainable path to mutual growth, shared prosperity, and harmonious interaction has been created for stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.”
Under Section Three of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), oil and gas operators are required to establish Host Community Development Trusts to promote sustainable prosperity, foster peaceful coexistence, and address the needs of host and impacted communities.
The Trusts serve as vehicles for providing direct economic and social benefits to local communities, ensuring peace and uninterrupted petroleum operations across oil-bearing areas.
