NNPC Limited has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that funds allocated under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are efficiently utilized to drive meaningful development in host communities.
This assurance was given during a stakeholder engagement session held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), a cluster representing several oil-producing communities in the region. The engagement was under the NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture.
Speaking at the session, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, emphasized that PIA funds must be directed towards critical needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure to foster sustainable development. Represented by Mrs. Edith Lawson, Deputy Manager of External Relations at NUIMS, Omotowa highlighted the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure long-term socio-economic benefits for host communities.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P JV for its continued strategic partnership with KEFFESO HCDT. He urged community leaders to maintain peace and stability, noting that disruptions could hinder operations and affect the allocation of the 3% Host Community Fund designated for development initiatives.
Similarly, Captain John Tonlagha, Executive Commissioner for Safety, Environment, and Community at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), described the community development trust initiative as a transformative step in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. He lauded its role in fostering governance, transparency, and accountability in community-driven development efforts.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) also expressed support for the initiative, with its Executive Secretary, Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe—represented by Director of Legal Services, Barr. Naboth Onyesoh—applauding KEFFESO HCDT’s dedication to sustainable development through the PIA framework. He also commended the NUPRC for incorporating over 100 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) to drive socio-economic growth in the oil-producing regions.
On behalf of FIRST E&P, Managing Director Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, represented by Mr. John Alamu, praised KEFFESO HCDT for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and accountability. He described the initiative as a model that other host community development trusts should adopt.
KEFFESO HCDT Chairman, His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus, expressed gratitude to NNPC Limited and FIRST E&P for their proactive approach in ensuring that host communities fully benefit from the PIA framework.
The forum concluded with a unanimous call for sustained collaboration, emphasizing that the success of the PIA depends on strong partnerships, peace, and a shared commitment to community development.
