The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is fully implementing Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).
HOSTCOM said, the NUPRC had diligently superintended the incorporation process which had resulted in the full incorporation of 137 HCDTs with over N200 billion fund disbursed.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM made this known to Newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarification on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom State.
He said HOSTCOM’s attention was drawn to recent publication in some section of the media regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in Akwa Ibom State.
Host communities in Akwaibom state in a report had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which is hindering the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Tamaranebi confirmed that NUPRC was working assiduously to ensure that host communities within the law’s ambits benefit from the HCDT funds, adding that it established mechanisms to safeguard the funds, while ensuring accountability in disbursement and management.
“We wish to state categorically that the NUPRC is fully committed to the implementation of the HCDT in line with Chapter Three of the PIA, ensuring the objectives of fostering sustainable prosperity and provision of direct social and economic benefits are well achieved.
“It is worth mentioning that NUPRC has diligently superintended the incorporation process which has resulted in the full incorporation of 137 HCDTs with over N200 billion Naira disbursed.
“198 developmental projects are currently ongoing in various aspects of community development, including education, healthcare infrastructure, and economic empowerment inclusive of Akwa Ibom communities,” he said.
The HOSTCOM president disclosed that some yet-to-be-funded Trusts are undergoing due diligence and various validation processes.
“Against this backdrop, in response to the recent claims in newspapers, we wish to provide clarification to ensure accurate information is conveyed to the public and stakeholders,” he said.
He explained that the Ibeno, Mbo, and Esit Eket communities are well covered in the HCDTs implementation process.
He further said that Relevant Settlors had established Host Community Development Trusts for these communities and ensured that funds were released, and community development plans were actively underway.
He confirmed that the NUPRC in conjunction with HOSTCOM Project Konsult held robust sensitisation programme at Akwa Ibom state where Traditional Rulers and State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources delivered position of the state.
He said other achievements recorded included establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centers 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 supports the efficient resolution of disputes, preserving relationships and reducing the time and cost associated with legal proceedings, for easy resolution of grievances for peaceful coexistence of Settlors with the host communities.
“Consequent to the achievements made, the claims in the newspaper that no progress is being made are not true and are unfounded . We therefore advice those involve to verify before coming out to the public domain.
“There is a launch of the HostComply portal, an industry data automation portal for warehousing all HCDT implementation and operationalisation processes and data for ease of access, inclusivity, accountability, transparency and compliance with regulations.
“We encourage the public to visit www.hostcomply.nuprc.gov.ng for information on host community development,” he advised.(NAN)
