The Federal Government has announced the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), aimed at fostering development, peace, and stability in oil-producing communities.
Stakeholders' Workshop in Port Harcourt
Mr Rabiu Umar, the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), made this known during a stakeholders' meeting held yesterday in Port Harcourt. The event, titled “Stakeholders Sensitisation Workshop on the Implementation of the HCDT Framework and Operationalisation of the HCDT Digital Portal,” brought together regulators, oil firms, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Represented by Dr Mustapha Lamorde, the Authority’s Executive Director for HSEC, Umar explained that the workshop was designed to help stakeholders better understand how the trust system would operate.
Key Objectives of the HCDT
According to Umar, the PIA has transformed the relationship between oil companies and host communities by making them direct beneficiaries of development projects. “The goal is to promote peace, reduce conflict, encourage inclusion, and ensure steady development in affected communities,” he stated.
Since the regulations were introduced, the agency has received numerous inquiries from communities, traditional rulers, civil society groups, lawmakers, operators, and development partners. Umar emphasised that the success of the scheme hinges on trust, transparency, and cooperation among all parties.
Digital Portal for Transparency
The NMDPRA boss also unveiled the HCDT Digital Portal, describing it as part of efforts to enhance transparency and accountability. He noted that the portal would handle trust registration, document submission, contribution tracking, compliance reporting, and project monitoring.
Umar urged communities to support the scheme, which aims to improve livelihoods and create opportunities for future generations. The workshop provided clarity on how the HCDT will be set up, duties of trustees, operators’ and licensees’ obligations, and fund management procedures.
