HostCom charges HCDTs with impactful developmental project

The National President, Host Communities Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, Highness Dr Benjamin Style Tamaranebi (JP), has urged Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) to embark on projects that will positively impact and uplift the face of communities within their trusts.

Giving the charge at the Town Hall Engagement with Host Communities Development Trustees (HCDTs) and Settlors in Rivers State, organised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in conjunction with HostCom Project Management and Adversary Consult, Tamaranebi observed that the absence of proper development in oil-producing communities has made this call a matter of priority.

He added that the HCDTs should be deliberate in embarking on projects that would lift oil host communities within their trusts out of the crushing poverty they endure, despite bearing the brunt of years of oil exploration and production.

According to him, the development of host communities would create a win-win situation for the tripartite concerned parties: the government, oil companies, and the host communities.

Delivering his address, Tamaranebi stated that every trust in the oil-producing areas has been funded with the aim of translating these funds into sustainable development projects in the communities through the boards of trustees.

The National President added that each trust has access to funds running into billions in their coffers. He insisted that if these funds were properly utilised, the Niger Delta and its communities would be developed to the standard of other oil-producing areas.

In his words: “Money has been paid to these trusts, and each of these trusts has billions in their coffers. No trust in the Niger Delta cannot boast of a billion naira, and these funds are meant for development.”

He expressed dismay at frivolous projects, duplication of projects, and the siting of projects outside the communities, saying: “There should be proper utilisation of funds for projects.”

“Look for and embark on projects that would impact the people, and site them in the community, not outside. Build and train human beings through scholarships for students and the like,” he added.

He observed that some of the host communities are wealthier than even their local government areas, charging the HCDTs to “utilise the 3% allocation as enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) so there’ll be change, development and progress in our communities.”

Tamaranebi further explained that the Town Hall Engagement was aimed at interacting with chairmen, secretaries, and traditional rulers of HCDTs to become conversant with their challenges, assuring them that their issues would be escalated to the NUPRC for proper attention.

The Chief Executive of NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, in his remarks, noted that the gathering underscored the collective commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, traditional rulers, oil companies, and the communities themselves, to foster sustainable community development, inclusiveness, and accountability in the Niger Delta.

Represented by the Deputy Manager, NUPRC Rivers State Chapter, Jerry Mbonu, Komolafe said: “The NUPRC remains dedicated to regulatory oversight, policy support, and technical assistance to ensure host communities thrive alongside the petroleum industry.”

“Let us seize this opportunity to turn challenges into opportunities and drive sustainable, inclusive development in the Niger Delta,” he added.

In his goodwill message, Iduonibin Obaghama stated that the fruition of the PIA was the result of the efforts of resilient men and women in the region who fought for their rights.

He enjoined stakeholders to partner in the development of host communities, saying: “We are all from communities. It’s up to us to develop our communities. That’s all we’ve been saying here.”

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