Port Harcourt: The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, (NUPRC), in collaboration with Hostcom Project Management and Advisory Consult ltd, has highlighted some of the gains of the Petroleum Industry Act, (PIA) , and urged Host Community Development Board of Trustees (HCDTS) to make judicious use of trust fund in its care. 

The Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe who spoke through the Deputy Manager,  Rivers state, Engr Jerry Mbonu said “since the inception of the PIA, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has facilitated the incorporation of 140 HCDTS across host communities, funding of 79 HCDTS with Mandatory 3℅ Opex Contribution by Settlors. Superintended the execution of about 192 ongoing projects by several HCDTS, improving infrastructure and livelihood.”

He also said the commission developed and deployed a digital reporting and monitoring portal that enables real time tracking of trust activities called “HostComply” to ensure compliance and efficiency in the management of host community funds. 

He however stated that despite the achievements, some communities were still facing some challenges, which included governance and accountability concerns in managing HCDTS funds; delays in project execution due to bureaucratic hurdles; community grievances and stakeholders conflicts over representation and resource allocation.

He spoke at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission town hall engagement meeting with host communities development trust chairmen, traditional rulers and Rivers State government. Held in collaboration with Hostcom Management Advisory Consult Ltd in Port Harcourt. 

Speaking at the event, National President of HOSTCOM, Dr Benjamin Style Tamaranebi(JP) commended the Chief Executive Officer of the commission for creating the avenue for engagement with chairmen of host communities development board of trustees and said it has been impactful. 

“I want to give kudos to the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC in the person of Engr Gbenga Komolafe who has done marvelously well to ensure that there will be sustainable development in the host communities so that we can have peaceful coexistence in our various communities. He has really fine tuned these series of engagements. From 2022 till date, he has been engaging with various host communities in different states and it has been very impactful, helping people understand the dynamics of running the PIA.”

Responding to questions about challenges communities face in accessing funds, the hostcom national president said sometimes litigation between community members who want one position or the other has made it difficult to access funds. He urged them to make use of the alternative dispute resolution mechanism put in place by the CEO of NUPRC saying it would help communities resolve disputes quickly without the need to go to court and the attendant delay that could ensue. 

“Some communities have challenges with litigation not from the oil companies but from community members who want to be members of the committee. Some want to be the head of the board of trustees, while others want to be head of management committee. For some of these communities, the funds are already there but they initiate litigation and no one can touch the funds and there is delay in development in the community.

“But with these series of engagements and sensitization, they are becoming more aware. So instead of going to court,  let them go to the alternative dispute resolution committee to address their issue so that funds will be coming and there will be a win-win situation for all.”

He thanked stakeholders present at the event and expressed hope that the deliberations from the engagements will yield fruitful results in the management of funds in various communities.