NNPC Limited has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that funds allocated under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are effectively deployed to drive meaningful development in host communities. This assurance was given during a stakeholder engagement session held with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) over the weekend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The KEFFESO HCDT comprises several communities, including Koluama 1 and 2, Ezetu 1 and 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, Sangana, Opu Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu, and Oginibiri, under the NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture.
Addressing the gathering, NNPC Limited’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Mrs. Edith Lawson, emphasized that funds approved for community development under the PIA would be directed towards essential projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. According to Omotowa, collaboration among stakeholders is critical to achieving long-term socio-economic growth in the region.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV for its ongoing partnership with KEFFESO HCDT and urged community leaders to maintain peace and stability. He stressed that a peaceful environment is essential for companies to operate effectively and for the successful implementation of the 3% Host Community Fund provided by the PIA for developmental initiatives.
The Executive Commissioner of Safety, Environment, and Community at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Captain John Tonlagha, representing the NUPRC Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, hailed the institutionalization of the community development trust initiative. Tonlagha described it as a significant milestone for the petroleum sector, ensuring enhanced governance, transparency, and accountability in community development efforts.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) also praised the initiative, with the Executive Secretary, Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Board’s Director of Legal Services, Barr. Naboth Onyesoh, commending both the KEFFESO HCDT framework and the NUPRC for successfully incorporating over 100 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) to promote socio-economic growth in the Niger Delta.
FIRST E&P’s Managing Director, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, represented by Mr. John Alamu, applauded KEFFESO HCDT for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and accountability, describing it as a model for other community development trusts to replicate.
Speaking on behalf of the KEFFESO HCDT, Chairman His Royal Highness, Moses Theophilus, expressed gratitude to the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV for their dedication to ensuring that the PIA framework benefits the KEFFESO communities.
The event concluded with participants calling for sustained collaboration, recognizing that the success of the PIA largely depends on strong partnerships, peace, and a shared commitment to enhancing the socio-economic well-being of host communities.
