Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has reiterated its commitment to driving sustainability in Niger Delta. This commitment was made during a stakeholder engagement session held with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in a press statement released on Monday and signed by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.
Engr. Seyi Omotowa, The Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, represented by Mrs Edith Lawson, Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, emphasized NNPC Ltd’s commitment to this goal.
“NNPC Ltd was committed to ensuring that funds approved for the development of host communities under the PIA are channelled towards projects that address critical needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure,” Omotowa stated.
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, in his speech commended the NNPC LTD/FIRST E&P JV for sustaining its strategic partnership with KEFFESO HCDT and urged community leaders to work together to ensure peace and stability in their communities.
He stressed that without peace, companies would struggle to operate effectively, ultimately impacting the 3% Host Community Fund approved in the PIA for development initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner, Safety, Environment, and Community, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Captain John Tonlagha, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, commended the institutionalization of the community development trust initiative, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s petroleum sector with the introduction of the much-needed governance, transparency, and accountability in community development efforts.
Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), who was represented by the Board’s Director of Legal Services, Barr. Naboth Onyesoh, commended the KEFFESO HCDT for its commitment to driving sustainable development through the PIA framework and the NUPRC for successfully incorporating over 100 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) to support socio-economic growth in the region.
The Managing Director, FIRST E&P, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, who was represented by Mr. John Alamu, commended the KEFFESO HCDT for creating a platform that encourages dialogue, collaboration, and accountability, describing it as a model for other host community development trusts to emulate.
The Chairman, KEFFESO HCDT, His Royal Highness, Moses Theophilus, lauded the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV for its proactive steps in ensuring that the KEFFESO communities benefit significantly from the PIA framework.
The forum concluded with a collective call for sustained collaboration, emphasizing that the success of the PIA depends on strong partnerships, peace, and a shared commitment to community development.
