• Reps, foundation decry slow implementation of PIA
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) and Natural Oilfield Services Limited (NOSL) for maintaining a robust relationship with their host communities.
During an official visit to OML-13, the operational base of NEPL and NOSL in Akwa Ibom State, the minister expressed satisfaction with the company’s strong ties with the communities, fostering peaceful operations.
Ekpo urged NEPL and NOSL to expedite the establishment and implementation of the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF), as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act 2022, and to extend power supply from the flow station to the communities so that they can experience the positive impact of the company.
The minister emphasised that the operations of NEPL and NOSL would enhance the country’s gas production capacity. He assured that the Federal Government is ready to support the company in achieving its production targets.
The management of NEPL-NOSL pointed out that the company has production facilities with a capacity of 60,000 barrels of oil per day and 90 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. The company expects to reach its full production potential before the end of the year.
“We consider our host communities as critical partners, and we have given utmost attention to our Community Development Projects (CDP). Our priority is to ensure our communities are positively impacted by being involved in our day-to-day operations,” he explained.
The management added that the company has executed several programmes and projects that have directly improved the lives and living standards of the host communities, with many more projects in the pipeline.
MEANWHILE, the clamour for the operationalisation of the Petroleum Industry Act has intensified, following an assessment of the implementation of the Act since its enactment on August 16, 2021.
The House of Representatives Committee on Host Community and Civil Societies made the call, decrying the slow pace of the PIA. The lawmakers also urged community stakeholders to use the Act to improve relations in the industry to address development gaps.
The stakeholders spoke during a dialogue and experience-sharing forum on Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Bridges Project. The dialogue was organised by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) recently, highlighting the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including oil and gas companies, government entities, and community organisations.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Dumnamene Dekor, described the implementation of the Act as slow, calling for more commitment from stakeholders.
