• HCTF resolving restiveness, curbing vandalism

The Federal Government says it is driving more than 1,000 host community development projects across the Niger Delta as part of efforts to address restiveness and create a more conducive operating environment for petroleum industry players.

The Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this during a briefing with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.

Ad >>>

Eyesan said more than 173 Host Community Development Trusts had been incorporated in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), while 147 of the trusts had received funding.

She added that more than 200 projects had been successfully commissioned across petroleum industry host communities, reflecting progress in the implementation of the host community provisions of the PIA.

According to her, the PIA introduced the Host Community Development Trust framework to address longstanding concerns among host communities and ensure that petroleum resources contribute to sustainable development in oil-producing areas.

Eyesan said available data indicated that implementation of the trusts had contributed to significant reductions in oil theft and oil spills, while also fostering more harmonious relationships between petroleum operators and their host communities.

She further disclosed that significant progress had been recorded since the implementation of the initiative, with the Federal Government continuing to use the framework to strengthen community participation in petroleum-sector development and improve the operating environment in the Niger Delta.