Idara Jerome, Uyo
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called on the OML 13 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) to translate the recommendations of its newly unveiled Needs Assessment Report into practical projects that will serve as a catalyst for sustainable development across its host communities in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commission made the call on Friday in Uyo during the formal presentation of the comprehensive Needs Assessment Report, describing the document as an evidence-based roadmap for delivering meaningful development in the eleven host local government areas covered by the Trust.
Representing the NUPRC, Adeniji Titilayo said the report marks a major milestone in implementing the Host Community provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), as it provides a credible framework for identifying and prioritizing development interventions based on the actual needs of residents.
She urged the Board of Trustees and management of the Trust to ensure that the report does not remain a mere document but is translated into measurable projects capable of improving the quality of life of people in the affected communities.
Titilayo stressed that transparency, accountability, continuous stakeholder engagement and effective monitoring would be critical to the successful implementation of the report’s recommendations.
According to her, the objective of the PIA is to promote sustainable prosperity, social inclusion and peaceful coexistence between petroleum operators and their host communities, adding that the comprehensive assessment demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that development projects are community-driven and responsive to local realities.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing regulatory oversight and support to ensure compliance with the provisions of the PIA, assuring stakeholders that the NUPRC would continue to monitor the activities of the Trust and operators to guarantee that host communities derive the intended social and economic benefits under the law.
Titilayo expressed optimism that the report would strengthen community relations, accelerate development and promote sustainable growth across the OML 13 host communities while encouraging all stakeholders to sustain the collaborative spirit that produced the document.
The report was jointly commissioned by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL), operators of OML 13, as part of efforts to align community development investments with the actual needs and priorities of residents.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the OML 13 HCDT, Barr. Ekpris Urujzian, described the document as a critical roadmap that captures the aspirations, challenges and development priorities identified by host communities and will guide sustainable interventions in the years ahead.
Providing a technical overview, Engr. Festus Sunday, a member of the Trust, disclosed that the 624-page report covers eleven host local government areas and identifies priority areas including healthcare, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure, human capital development, youth empowerment, livelihood support and environmental sustainability.
He explained that the report was produced through extensive consultations with community members and stakeholders to ensure that its recommendations accurately reflect the realities and aspirations of the people.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer of NEPL for OML 13, Auwal Ya’u, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the objectives of the Host Communities Development Trust and assured stakeholders that NEPL would meet the required timelines to facilitate the release of funds for implementing approved projects.
Similarly, Community Security Manager, Susan Bassey, described the presentation of the report as the culmination of months of collaborative effort by stakeholders, expressing confidence that its implementation would usher in a new phase of sustainable development across the host communities.
The needs assessment covers the eleven host local government areas of Eastern Obolo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi, Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno, Etinan, Oruk Anam, Nsit Ubium and Urue-Offong/Oruko.
Among its recommendations are investments in critical infrastructure, improved healthcare and education, expanded access to clean water and sanitation, youth development and entrepreneurship, environmentally sustainable projects, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems.