NNPC reaffirms commitment to host community development under PIA
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that funds allocated under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are effectively utilized to drive meaningful development in host communities. This assurance was given during a stakeholder engagement session with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, over the weekend.
The KEFFESO HCDT represents a cluster of host communities under the NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture. The engagement session provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss the impact of the PIA and the strategic implementation of projects to benefit the communities.
Speaking at the session, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Mrs. Edith Lawson, emphasized the company’s commitment to directing approved funds toward critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving lasting socio-economic development.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the NNPC LTD/FIRST E&P JV for maintaining its strategic partnership with KEFFESO HCDT. He urged community leaders to work together to ensure peace and stability, stressing that without a peaceful environment, companies would face operational challenges, ultimately affecting the 3% Host Community Fund allocated under the PIA.
The Executive Commissioner for Safety, Environment, and Community at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Captain John Tonlagha, representing NUPRC CEO Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, described the establishment of community development trusts as a defining moment for Nigeria’s petroleum sector. He noted that the initiative promotes governance, transparency, and accountability in community development efforts.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Board’s Director of Legal Services, Barr. Naboth Onyesoh, praised the KEFFESO HCDT for its dedication to sustainable development. He also commended the NUPRC for successfully incorporating over 100 Host Community Development Trusts to drive socio-economic progress in the region.
The Managing Director of FIRST E&P, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, represented by Mr. John Alamu, acknowledged KEFFESO HCDT’s efforts in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and accountability. He described the initiative as a model that other host community development trusts should emulate to maximize the benefits of the PIA.
KEFFESO HCDT Chairman, His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus, lauded the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV for taking proactive steps to ensure host communities reap the full benefits of the PIA framework. The session concluded with a collective call for sustained collaboration, emphasizing that the success of the PIA hinges on strong partnerships, peace, and a shared commitment to community development.
