KWALE/Nigeria: Host communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State have taken a significant step towards structured community development following the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) by Energia Limited and its joint venture partner, Oando Plc.
The inauguration, held in Asaba, also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Energia/Oando Joint Venture and seven host communities in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, establishing a framework for implementing community development initiatives.
The event attracted representatives of the Delta State Government, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.
Representing the Delta State Government, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Christopher Osakwe, who stood in for Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, described the inauguration and signing of the MoU as a demonstration of the growing partnership between the oil companies and their host communities.
He urged members of the Board of Trustees to discharge their responsibilities with transparency, accountability and fairness, while encouraging host communities to continue protecting oil and gas facilities and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Energia Limited, Mr. Oladimeji Bashorun, said the establishment of the Trust marks a new phase in the company’s relationship with its host communities, built on shared responsibility and sustainable development.
According to him, although the Host Community Development Trust is a requirement under the Petroleum Industry Act, Energia has maintained a longstanding commitment to community development since achieving First Oil in 2009.
Bashorun disclosed that the company has invested more than ₦15.94 billion in community development projects over the years, covering road construction, drainage systems, healthcare facilities, educational programmes, scholarships, youth empowerment initiatives, solar-powered street lighting and other social interventions.
He added that Energia also commits three per cent of its annual gross revenue to support sustainable development projects across its host communities.
Also speaking, Oando Asset Manager, Mr. Seyi Fawora, reaffirmed the joint venture’s commitment to implementing the Host Community Development Trust, saying the initiative would further strengthen collaboration and mutual benefits between the company and its host communities.
The representative of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Dennis Eyitemi, described the inauguration as an important milestone in promoting community participation in the development process and urged members of the Board to uphold accountability and transparency in managing the Trust.
Delivering an overview of the Host Community Development Trust framework, the Delta State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Irebe, SAN, commended Energia for exceeding the statutory obligations prescribed under the Petroleum Industry Act.
He advised the Board members to place the collective interests of the communities above personal considerations and ensure prudent management of the Trust’s resources.
The ceremony climaxed with the swearing-in of members of the Board of Trustees of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust.
Responding on behalf of the Board, its Chairman, Chief Godwin Edeme, pledged to work closely with Energia Limited, Oando Petroleum Development Company and other stakeholders to ensure that the Trust delivers sustainable development projects that will benefit both present and future generations.
The Host Community Development Trust is expected to serve as a platform for implementing development projects and strengthening engagement between the joint venture and its host communities in line with the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act.
