NNPC Reaffirms Commitment to Effective Use of Host Community Funds for Sustainable Development in Niger Delta
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reiterated its dedication to ensuring that the funds earmarked under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are judiciously utilized to foster sustainable development in host communities across the Niger Delta.
This assurance was given at a stakeholder engagement session held with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT)—an umbrella body comprising Koluama 1 & 2, Ezetu 1 & 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, Sangana, Opu Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu, and Oginibiri communities. The session, held over the weekend, was organized by NNPC Ltd in collaboration with its joint venture partner, FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P).
Speaking at the event in Yenagoa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, emphasized the company’s commitment to channeling PIA development funds toward impactful projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Represented by Mrs. Edith Lawson, Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Omotowa stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving sustainable socio-economic development.
Also addressing participants, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, lauded the enduring partnership between NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P JV and KEFFESO HCDT. He urged community leaders to prioritize peace and stability, noting that continuous unrest would hamper companies’ operations and impede the benefits of the 3% Host Community Fund allocated by the PIA.
Similarly, Captain John Tonlagha, Executive Commissioner, Safety, Environment, and Community, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), commended the institutionalization of the community development trust model. Representing NUPRC CEO, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, he described the initiative as a milestone in introducing governance, transparency, and accountability in the sector.
Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), represented by the Board’s Director of Legal Services, Barr. Naboth Onyesoh, also praised KEFFESO HCDT for advancing sustainable development. He highlighted NCDMB’s role in supporting over 100 Host Community Development Trusts incorporated under the PIA framework.
FIRST E&P Managing Director, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, represented by Mr. John Alamu, applauded KEFFESO HCDT for fostering accountability and dialogue, calling it a model worth emulating by other communities.
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In his remarks, KEFFESO HCDT Chairman, His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus, expressed appreciation to NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P JV for their proactive steps in ensuring community benefits under the PIA framework.
The engagement concluded with a unanimous call for sustained collaboration, emphasizing the need for peace and strong partnerships to maximize the benefits of the PIA.
