Delta: NUPRC Suspends Controversial HCDT Initiated By SPDC In Ugborodo, Deghele, Ugboegungun

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, (NUPRC), has reportedly directed Shell Petroleum Development Company, (SPDC), to suspend all Host Communities Development Trust, HCDT, it purportedly initiated in Ugborodo, Deghele and Ugboegungun Communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.

This was contained in a press statement seen by BIGPEN NIGERIA, Saturday August 26, when officials of NUPRC and SPDC, met with protesting indigenes of Ugborodo, Deghele and Ugboegungun, who are insisting that SPDC must follow the necessary provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA as it relates to inauguration of Host Community Development Trust in the company’s Otumara Flow Station.

The Press Statement,reads in parts; “The attention of the NUPRC has been drawn to the ongoing complaints by the indigenes of Ugborodo, Deghele & Ugboegungun communities, Warri Southwest LGA, Delta State regarding the name of HCDT and composition of the board of trustees of the HCDT.

“The Commission in line with its statutory mandate on the implementation of the HCDT provisions in the PIA, 2021 to ensure peace and conducive operating environment for upstream operations has directed that all HCDT allegedly initiated on the above Communities be suspended pending a tripartite meeting to be held on an agreed date by authorized persons of the Communities, NUPRC and SPDC.

“The NUPRC is using this opportunity to request Ugborodo, Deghele & Ugboegungun communities and all concerned parties to remain calm and allow peace to reign while assuring all parties of our unwavering regulatory support and continued efforts towards ensuring effective implementation of the HCDT provisions in the PlA, 2021”.

BIGPEN NIGERIA had reported that the protesting communities had threatened to shut down Otumara flowstation which count for over 20,000 barrel daily crude production.