The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said it has incorporated 137 Host Communities Development Trustees (HCDTs) and disbursed N200 billion.
It said there are 198 ongoing development projects in the communities including Akwa Ibom State.
Head, Public Affairs and Corporate Communication, Mrs Olaide Shonola, made this known in a statement.
The statement was a rejoinder debunking a story that the commission delays in funding development projects in host communities in Akwa Ibom State.
She said: “It is worth mentioning that NUPRC has diligently superintended the incorporation process which has resulted in the full incorporation of one hundred and thirty-seven (137) HCDTs with over N200 billion disbursed.
“One hundred and ninety-eight (198) developmental projects are going on across host communities, Akwa Ibom communities inclusive.”
NUPRC added that some yet-to-be-funded Trusts are undergoing due diligence and various validation processes.
The statement said the NUPRC is fully committed to the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust in line with Chapter 3 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021), to ensure the objectives of fostering sustainable prosperity within the host communities as well as the provision of direct social and economic benefits from petroleum operations to host communities are well achieved.
The Commission has been working assiduously to ensure that all host communities that fall within the ambits of the law benefit from the HCDTF and have established mechanisms to safeguard the funds while ensuring accountability and transparency in the disbursement and management.
The statement reads in part: “The Commission reaffirms the commitment and ongoing efforts of the NUPRC in collaboration with the Oil and Gas operators(Settlors) in the region and beyond. We can confirm that the Ibeno, Mbo and Esit Eket communities are well covered in the HCDTs implementation process. Relevant Settlors have established Host Community Development Trusts for these communities, ensuring that funds are released and community development plans are actively underway.
“Key Achievements include: The Commission has made significant strides in incorporating 137 Host Community Development Trusts across the region with over 200 billion naira disbursed to the trusts.
“A total of 198 projects have been initiated, focusing on various aspects of community development including education, healthcare infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
“Alternative Dispute Resolution centers are established in Bayelsa and Lagos at the NUPRC’s National Oil and Gas Excellence Center.
” ADR mechanisms include mediation and arbitration providing a structured process for resolving conflicts without resorting to litigations. The ADR also supports the amicable and efficient resolution of disputes, preserving relationships and reducing the time and cost associated with legal proceedings. “To make for easy resolution of grievances for the ultimate peaceful coexistence of Settlors with the Host communities.
“NUPRC has launched the HostComply portal, an industry data automation portal for warehousing of all HCDT implementation and operationalization processes and data for ease of access, inclusivity, fairness, accountability, transparency and compliance with regulation and the law.”
