Over 1,100 Development Projects Underway in Niger Delta Host Communities, NUPRC Says

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that more than 1,100 development projects are currently being implemented across the Niger Delta under the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) framework of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Assistant Director of Host Community Development Affairs at NUPRC, Kingsley Ehiaguina, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the PML 66 Host Communities Development Trust in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The newly inaugurated trust represents three communities in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State: Egbolom, Omelema, and Ahoada I. Ehiaguina explained that the HCDT initiative was established under the Petroleum Industry Act, which came into effect in 2021, to ensure that communities hosting oil and gas operations benefit directly from petroleum activities through development projects that address their needs. He said 163 Host Communities Development Trusts have so far been incorporated, with billions of naira contributed to support community development. He added that more than 200 projects have already been completed, describing the progress as evidence that the PIA framework is delivering results. The NUPRC official commended Ingentia Energies Limited for complying with the requirements of the law and urged the newly appointed trustees to operate transparently and prioritise the interests of their communities. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Ingentia Energies Limited, Charles Odita, said the trust was established after consultations with stakeholders and community representatives. He explained that the company would provide funding as required under the PIA, while the host communities would determine the projects to be executed. Odita described the initiative as a major opportunity to accelerate development in the affected communities through collaboration between companies and local residents. The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Patrick Ndukwe, also praised the establishment of the trust, describing it as an important step for the energy sector and host communities. He encouraged the trustees to select projects that align with the state’s development priorities, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and sustainable community development.