Stakeholders in communities in the Niger Delta have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the inclusive, transparent, and accountable implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society organisations, regulatory agencies, and host community development trusts (HCDTs), reaffirmed the commitment at a consultative meeting convened by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), with support from Ford Foundation.
Stakeholders from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states highlighted the challenges and opportunities in operationalising the PIA, including actionable strategies to ensure that host communities fully benefit from the PIA framework.
The meetings highlighted key observations, including capacity gaps, outdated community development plans (CDPs), limited representation of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), weak monitoring and evaluation practices, and the need for better synergy with local and state governments.
A central focus of these convenings was the review and adoption of five innovative community development models: the Inclusivity Model (to ensure the active participation of women, youth, and PWDs), the Project Sharing Matrix Model (to promote equitable distribution of projects and resources), the Project and Capacity Building Model (integrating training and project execution), the Multi-Settlor Communities Model (facilitating harmonisation of development plans in communities with multiple oil and gas operators), and the Monitoring and Evaluation Model (for continuous project tracking and accountability).
At the end of the meetings, stakeholders emphasised the urgent need for continuous capacity-building programmes for HCDT members and community leaders, with dedicated funding from HCDT budgets.
They also emphasised the need to increase the representation of women, youth, and people with disabilities (PWDs) in HCDT governance, project execution, and benefits, thereby mandating inclusive policies and programs.
Participants called for publicly accessible annual reports and independent audits of HCDT funds, as well as alignment of projects with local government development plans to prevent duplication and waste.
They also called for the establishment of robust community-based grievance redress systems and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts.
Stakeholders agreed to prioritise long-term socio-economic benefits, such as education, healthcare, renewable energy, and environmental remediation, over short-term gains.
They also emphasised the importance of establishing state-level Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (MSPs) to maintain the momentum of the conversations, coordinate efforts, and ensure alignment among different stakeholders for effective PIA implementation.
Acting Executive Director of PIND, Effiong Essien, stated, “We are proud to see host communities across the Niger Delta driving these conversations and taking ownership of their development.
“By fostering inclusive dialogue, building capacity, and strengthening accountability, we can ensure that the promises of the PIA are fulfilled in a way that leaves no one behind.”
Chuks Ofulue, Advocacy Manager of PIND, added, “These multi-state consultations have laid the groundwork for stronger partnerships between communities, regulatory agencies, and settlers.”
“By adopting these community development models and pushing for inclusive state-level MSPs, we can build transparent, equitable, and community-led development frameworks that sustain peace and prosperity in the Niger Delta.”
