…Regulator Says PIA Outcomes To Be Measured by Projects, Not Paper

UYO – OIL Minig Lease (OML) 13 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) has unveiled a 624-page Needs Assessment Report to stakeholders in Akwa Ibom state with industry regulators demand urgent actions on implementation.

The HCDT covers eleven Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom and regulators say the move will test effectiveness of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) community provisions.

The report was presented in Uyo in an event attended by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, Sumedha Energy Limited (SE), Operator of the OML 13, members of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, and host community representatives.

Commissioned by NEPL and SEL, the document flagged critical deficits across healthcare, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure, human capital development, youth empowerment, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in Eastern Obolo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi, Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno, Etinan, Oruk Anam, Nsit Ubium, and Urue-Offong/Oruko.

Ekpris Urujzian, Chairman of the HCDT Board of Trustees, said the report must now translate into tangible interventions.

“It is a critical roadmap reflecting the aspirations, challenges, and priorities identified by the people. It will serve as a guide for impactful and sustainable projects in the years ahead,” he stated.

Festus Sunday who presented the technical findings said the assessment was built on extensive consultations to ensure recommendations reflect local realities rather than top-down assumptions.

NUPRC representative, Adeniji Titilayo, described the report as an evidence-based framework for prioritizing development, but stressed that compliance will be judged by results.

“The PIA’s essence is to promote sustainable prosperity and peaceful coexistence. That promise will be measured by outcomes.

“The Trustees and management of the Trust must ensure recommendations are translated into measurable projects. Transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement, and effective monitoring are non-negotiable,” Titilayo added.

She reaffirmed NUPRC’s commitment to regulatory oversight, adding that and the Commission would monitor the Trust and operators to guarantee host communities receive targeted social and economic benefits.

NEPL’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer for OML 13, Auwal Ya’u, assured stakeholders that the company would adhere to required timelines to facilitate fund release for implementation.

The report recommends high-impact infrastructure, stronger health and education services, expanded water access, youth development, environmental interventions, and a robust monitoring system.

Stakeholders said sustained collaboration among government, operators, regulators, and communities will determine success.