PIA Takes Root In Delta As NEPL/FHN JV Partners Handover OML 26 Host Community Development Trust

The management of the NEPL/FHN JV Partners has handed over the management of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) to the OML26 community leadership, in line with the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The HCDT comprises of a 9-man Board of Trustees and 36-man Management and Advisory Committee saddled with operationalization of the chapter 3 in line with the PIA.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the HCDT aims to address economic and infrastructural challenges in oil and gas bearing communities in the Niger Delta states.

Performing the official handover ceremony tagged, “Introduction and Handover of the AIO Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) to Leadership of the OML26 Communities” the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of OML26 AMT, Engr. Omagbemi Kakayor, described the event as a milestone, noting that the event is in line with the 2021 PIA which seeks to address economic and infrastructural challenges of oil and gas bearing communities.

“The important roles communities play in the development of the oil and gas industry cannot be overemphasized,” said Engr. Omagbemi Kakayor, COO of OML26 AMT.

He said; “The PIA encourages community participation and empowers communities to own and manage a process that drives community development.

“OML26 AMT promotes community participation and fosters partnership towards sustaining host communities’ development.”, he added.

The COO stated that in the days ahead, significant economic and infrastructural development would take place in the host communities with the commencement of implementation of HCDT geared towards addressing developmental needs of the host communities.

Engr. Omagbemi, however extolled the commitment of NEPL/FHN JV Partners in bringing to a start the operation of the HCDT, even as he rated the achievement as first among other assets operators in Delta State.

He described the host communities as a valuable partner in the operations of NEPL/FHN JV Partners, seeking the communities’ cooperation in scaling up oil production.

“When there is an increase in oil production, the communities will enjoy more benefits.”, he affirmed.

The Commissioner for Oil & Gas, Delta State, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, commended NEPL/FHN JV Partners for handing over the HCDT to the community leadership, stating that it would improve social and economic development in the host communities.

Hon. Uviejitobor described the event as a welcome development, saying, “It’s in harmony with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda which prioritize socioeconomic development and wellbeing of the people of Delta State.

He assured of his ministry’s support in achieving the objective of the HCDT.

Speaking, the manager, GSC at OML26 AMT, Mr. Funfeyin Funkakpo, emphasized the crucial functions of the BOT, Management Committee, and Advisory Committee in effective and prudent management of the HCDT.

Continuing, he stated that the acronym, “AIO HCDT” was crafted by the management of NEPL/FHN JV Partners to fittingly represent the 36 host communities in the HCDT, even as he emphasized the independent functions of the administrative arms of the HCDT, noting that unfettered collaboration among the arms is fundamental in the success of the HCDT.

Also speaking, the representative of NEPL Management, Mrs. Onyebuchi Okonji appreciated the OML26 communities for their peaceful disposition over the years. She urged them to sustain the existing peace and mutual cooperation as the implementation of the HCDT commences. She said, “If there is peace in our operations everybody will be happy.”

Speaking, the Chairman of the BOT, Osuazo Obaro assured that the BOT would maintain seamless collaboration with the Management Committee and the Advisory Committee, pledging that, “There will be judicious and transparent management of the HCDT in line with the statutory provisions of the PIA.”

The members of the BOT, Management Committee, and Advisory Committee of the HCDT received royal blessing from the King of Ozoro kingdom, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietoborie Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro kingdom.

Present at the epoch event were traditional rulers of OML26 communities, including the President Generals (PGs) of the OML26 communities, Women leaders, and Youth leaders.