NNPC Pledges Effective Use of Petroleum Industry Act Funds For Host Communities

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to utilizing funds allocated under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for meaningful development in host communities across the Niger Delta.

During a stakeholder engagement session with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in Bayelsa State, NNPC’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, emphasized that the funds would be directed toward critical needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Moreso, represented by Mrs. Edith Lawson, Deputy Manager of External Relations at NUIMS, he stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable socio-economic growth.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the ongoing partnership between NNPC Ltd, FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P), and KEFFESO HCDT.

He further urged community leaders to maintain peace, highlighting that stability is essential for successful project implementation under the PIA’s 3% Host Community Fund.

Key industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), praised the institutionalization of the community development trust initiative, calling it a milestone for governance and transparency in the sector.

The engagement concluded with a collective call for sustained collaboration, emphasizing that the success of the PIA relies on strong partnerships, accountability, and a shared commitment to community development.