Delta State has pledged its commitment and support for the full implementation of agreements between host communities and oil companies in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
Deputy Governor of the state, Monday Onyeme, gave the assurance at a sensitization workshop on the implementation of the PIA Act, 2021, organized by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), in collaboration with Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited for host communities in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Onyeme assured Deltans that though the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, was not a perfect document, the state government will continue to promote peace and harmonious working environment between host communities and oil companies.
The deputy governor declared that the state government will not tolerate any attempt to shortchange host communities.
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Christopher Osakwe, he encouraged host communities to endeavour to secure oil companies’ facilities in their area to guarantee their entitlement to the three percent fund as spelt out in the PIA Act 2021.
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe said the enactment of the PIA 2021 and the subsequent regulation of the petroleum industry marked is a turning point in the effort to achieve sustainable development in host communities.
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Komolafe represented by Mr. Akpotowho Kennedy, noted that the NUPRC, recognises the pivotal role of host communities in the Nigeria oil and gas sector, acknowledging that resources from host communities have contributed to the nation’s economic growth, hence the need for them to be adequately sensitized on the importance of the PIA Act
Consultant to NUPRC and Chief Executive Officer of Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited, Chief George Bucknor, said the purpose of the workshop is to sensitize host communities in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of their social benefits as enshrined in Sections 234 and 240, as opposed to Section 257 sub-section 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Chief Bucknor explained that the sensitization was also to facilitate compliance to the provisions of chapter 3 of the PIA, and provide timely and accurate information to the commission regarding non – compliance by the host community development trustees or settlor within the applicable laws, among several other objectives.
Traditional rulers including the Obi of Aboh , Dr. Gregory Nnamdi Oputa 111 and others from host communities in Ndokwa East commended the initiative promising to ensure that they safeguard oil facilities in their domain.
