…hails impact of NUPRC with disbursement of N200bn, 198 projects

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, HOSTCOM, Thursday, debunked alleged delayed funding of development projects in Akwa-Ibom State on the heels of a publication Monday October 14, 2024 by some yet to be identified persons in one of the national dailies.

HOSTCOM made their stand known on the purported publication at a world press conference held in Abuja, where the National President, HOSTCOM, His Highness, Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, in an address described the sponsors of the publication as liers, mischief makers and unscrupulous elements who intentionally are working to discredit the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission NUPRC, which is implementing the Host Community Development Trust in line with Chapter 3 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021).

According to Tamaranebi, NUPRC has diligently superintended the incorporation process, which has resulted in the full incorporation of 137 HCDTs with over N200 billion disbursed and 198 ongoing developmental projects in host communities.

He said: “We wish to state categorically that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is fully committed to the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust in line with Chapter 3 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021), to ensure the objectives of fostering sustainable prosperity within the host communities and provision of direct social and economic benefits from petroleum operations to host communities are well achieved.

“The NUPRC has been working assiduously to ensure that all host communities that fall within the law’s ambits benefit from the HCDTF and have established mechanisms to safeguard the funds while ensuring accountability and transparency in the disbursement and management.

“It is worth mentioning that NUPRC has diligently superintended the incorporation process which has resulted in the full incorporation of one hundred and thirty-seven (137) HCDTs with over 200 billion naira disbursed. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) developmental projects are currently ongoing in various aspects of community development including education, healthcare infrastructure, and economic empowerment inclusive of Akwa Ibom communities.

“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.

“That HOSTCOM reaffirms the commitment and ongoing efforts of the NUPRC in collaboration with the parent body HOSTCOM the Oil and Gas operators (Settlors) in the region and beyond. We can confirm that the Ibeno, Mbo, and Esit Eket communities are well covered in the HCDTs implementation process. Relevant Settlors have established Host Community Development Trusts for these communities, ensuring that funds are released, and community development plans are actively underway.

“Consequent to the achievements made, the claims in the newspaper that no progress is being made are not true and are unfounded . We therefore we HOSTCOM advice those involve to verify before come out to the public domain.

“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC. For concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, we urge parties to engage with us directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.

He also expressed confidence that, “The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is committed to regulating the upstream sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring sustainable development and equitable distribution of resources.We must state clearly that some of the pending delay of HCDT’S creation are caused by Community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC so we advise Communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit. HOSTCOM give kudos to NUPRC for the transparency and accountability of ensuring speedy influx of funds to our Communities.

“We encourage the public to visit www.hostcomply.nuprc.gov.ng for information on host community development. The NUPRC initiated the Host Community Development Trusts Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.”

Meanwhile, he said HOSTCOM would commence investigation to unravel those who want to create tension in Akwa-Ibom State and hit the polity with their baseless allegations.

However, the HOSTCOM boss called on the Federal Government to consider and approve an upward review of the current three per cent as contained in the PIA to 10 per cent based on the inflation trend and negative impact on host communities’ survival.