Expectations are rising across Niger Delta communities for more direct and measurable benefits from crude oil production as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reiterated its resolve to enforce full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, especially provisions relating to host communities.
This position was highlighted at the Delta State Stakeholders and Petroleum Communities Sensitization Workshop held in Warri, where regulators, traditional rulers, community representatives and government officials examined how Chapter Three of the PIA is being implemented on the ground.
Speaking at the workshop, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, assured participants that the commission would ensure that all processes tied to the implementation of the Act strictly follow the law and that Settlors and Host Communities Development Trustees discharge their responsibilities as required.
Eyesan, represented by the Regional Coordinator of the NUPRC Warri Office, Chief Ambassador Ogunnubi Olusegun Benjamin, noted that the commission’s mandate includes establishing, implementing and supervising compliance with the PIA in ways that directly benefit petroleum host communities.
She explained that the PIA was designed to foster sustainable prosperity in oil-bearing communities, provide them with direct social and economic benefits from petroleum operations, promote peaceful coexistence between operators and communities, and lay a structured foundation for long-term development.
“These objectives can only be realised when there is mutual understanding, cooperation and collaboration between companies and host communities. That is why this engagement is important, to ensure everyone understands the provisions of the Act and their roles,” she said.
For many stakeholders present, the focus was not only on awareness but on ensuring that the promised benefits under the law translate into visible improvements in their communities.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, commended the NUPRC for organising the workshop, describing it as a demonstration of shared commitment to transparency and trust in the implementation of the PIA.
He expressed hope that the discussions would strengthen cooperation among stakeholders and promote peaceful coexistence in petroleum host communities across the state.
“The Delta State Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that deepen collaboration among communities, operators and regulators to ensure that the objectives of the host communities’ framework under the PIA are fully realised,” he said.
Consultant to the NUPRC and Managing Director of Mecco and Marine Holdings Ltd, High Chief George Bucknor, explained that the sensitisation programme was aimed at educating stakeholders on the sustainable development framework contained in Chapter Three of the PIA.
He said the provisions include the establishment of Host Communities Development Trusts, funding arrangements, governance structures and grievance mechanisms for resolving disputes between communities and operators.
Bucknor added that the workshop also provided an opportunity to collect feedback on the performance of Settlors and Host Community Development Trustees in order to strengthen compliance with the law.
Chairman of the event and Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Stanley Peredigha Luke Kalanama VIII, welcomed the initiative, noting that it gave host communities a rare opportunity to seek clarification on their entitlements and the responsibilities of oil companies under the Act.
He, however, urged the NUPRC to ensure that funds earmarked for community development are released by oil companies as and when due, stressing that timely disbursement is critical to achieving the objectives of the PIA.
For many in attendance, the engagement underscored a growing resolve among Niger Delta communities to hold both operators and regulators accountable, ensuring that the PIA becomes a practical tool for development rather than just another legal framework.