…Commissions Projects in Rivers
By Barikui Felix
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Green Energy International Limited, and its Joint Venture partners, Lekoil Investment Limited (GEIL/LEKOIL JV), have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that oil-producing communities benefit maximally from the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) through the effective implementation of the Host Communities Development Fund.
NUPRC emphasized its resolve to see that the PIA funds are properly utilized to address critical developmental challenges in host communities. This position was made known during the commissioning of projects and presentation of bursaries and scholarships to over 1,200 beneficiaries in Asuk-Ama and Ekede communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State by the Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asuk-Ama, and Asuk-Oyet Host Community Development Trust (UAAA).
The projects commissioned by the UAAA HCDT in collaboration with its Settlor, GEIL/LEKOIL JV, include the Asuk-Ama Community Town Hall, the rehabilitated Community Primary School in Asuk-Oyet, and a Universal Basic Education (UBE) block at the Community Secondary School in Ekede, all located in Andoni LGA.
The Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, represented by Engr. Kingsley Ehiaguina, Assistant Director, Host Communities Development and Administration, described the achievements of the UAAA HCDT as a demonstration of the PIA’s impact. He stated, “We are delighted that the dividends of the HCDTs are coming to fruition. Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, Chapter 3 has been dedicated to the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust Funds. Following this, the NUPRC has worked diligently to operationalize the HCDTs, and we have seen tremendous successes.”
He revealed that over 143 HCDTs have been incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission, with more than 80 already fully funded with their 3% operational expenditure (Opex), and possessing established governance structures. He commended the UAAA HCDT Board and GEIL/LEKOIL JV for their efforts and urged them to ensure proper use of the 3% Opex funding. He also appealed to traditional rulers to maintain peace and support the HCDTs and their settlors for better service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of GEIL/LEKOIL JV, Director of Green Energy International Limited, HRH David Serena-Dokubo Spiff, applauded the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment that allows host communities to take charge of their development. He noted that the PIA has shifted the dynamic from dependence on oil companies to empowering communities directly. “In the old system, communities had to go cap in hand to oil companies. But the PIA changed everything. Now, 3% of operating costs is legislated to be handed over to the community, to be managed by them, for them. This is the democratization of opportunity. Communities are now in charge of their own future,” he said.
Spiff commended the UAAA HCDT for its accomplishments and urged continuous transparency and accountability in managing development funds.
Dr. Oyoboy Edman Elleh, Director of Administration in the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, also praised the GEIL/LEKOIL JV and the UAAA HCDT for their impactful initiatives and encouraged local communities to safeguard the projects from vandalism.
Chairman of the UAAA HCDT Board of Trustees, Comrade Asuk Nathan Sampson, reaffirmed the trust’s dedication to advancing education and infrastructure in the communities. He said that bursary and scholarship beneficiaries include pupils, secondary school students, and tertiary students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. “Over 1,200 individuals from the four communities benefitted from the bursary and scholarship scheme. In addition to our educational and empowerment initiatives, we have over 20 projects underway—some completed, others ongoing. More are scheduled for commissioning before the end of the year,” he stated.
He noted that all development efforts were informed by the communities’ actual needs and praised GEIL/LEKOIL JV for its unwavering support in line with the PIA.
The Paramount Ruler of Ekede, Chief Gad Ekprikpo, speaking on behalf of the traditional institutions, expressed pride in the UAAA HCDT and lauded its contributions to community development.
