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The Niger Delta Citizens Alliance (NDCA) has urged oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to remain dedicated to their statutory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly the three percent annual contribution to the Host Community Development Trust Fund.
The NDCA emphasized that consistent compliance by operators would guarantee the continuation of essential infrastructure projects, strengthen relationships with host communities, and reinforce the progress already made under the oversight of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The organization also praised the NUPRC for enhancing the welfare of host communities throughout the oil-producing region over the past four years.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Port Harcourt and co-signed by its President, Kingsley Charles, and Secretary-General, Ogbobetta Nelli, the group stated that the Commission, under the leadership of Gbenga Komolafe, has redefined resource justice through the transparent execution of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).
The statement noted, “For decades, oil-producing communities were left with promises that never materialized into real progress. However, since the establishment of the NUPRC in 2021, and under Engr. Komolafe’s guidance, we have observed a genuine transformation.
“The Host Community Development Trust has restored hope by ensuring that oil wealth is finally reaching the people,” the statement continued.
The group commended the Commission’s oversight of the N373 billion Host Community Development Fund and the more than 500 ongoing projects across the Niger Delta, describing it as “the most inclusive community intervention in the nation's oil history.”
“These projects are not merely political statements; they are tangible. From hospitals and schools in Rivers and Bayelsa to water projects and skill centers in Delta and Akwa Ibom, the impact is evident.
“NUPRC has bridged the divide between communities and corporations, replacing years of conflict with structured collaboration and accountability,” the group noted.
According to the NDCA, the NUPRC’s digital HostComply dashboard has ensured transparent tracking of community funds, preventing misallocation and ensuring that every naira is connected to measurable outcomes.
The organization also praised the Commission’s insistence that project execution should prioritize local labor and suppliers, thereby creating thousands of jobs for young people in host communities, stating, “This model of development is what the Niger Delta has always sought; a process where the people are participants, not mere observers.
“The success of the Host Community Trust is a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve when transparency meets compassion.”
It reiterated that sustained compliance would ensure the continuation of vital infrastructure projects, enhance community relations, and solidify the progress made under NUPRC’s leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the NUPRC?
The NUPRC oversees the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act and ensures that oil companies fulfill their obligations, including contributions to community development funds.
How does the Host Community Development Trust Fund benefit local communities?
The fund supports critical infrastructure projects and community development initiatives, ensuring that local populations benefit directly from oil revenues.
What measures are in place to ensure transparency in fund allocation?
The NUPRC uses a digital HostComply dashboard to track community funds transparently, preventing misallocation and ensuring that funds are linked to measurable outcomes.
