Leaders and experts in the oil and gas industry have called for effective implementation, strategic partnerships, and collaboration to maximize the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for host communities.

This was highlighted during the Bridges Project subnational convening in Port Harcourt, organized by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND). The event brought together key stakeholders for a dialogue and experience-sharing session aimed at raising awareness and speeding up the PIA’s implementation.

Launched in August 2023, the Bridges Project, supported by the Ford Foundation, aims to strengthen connections among stakeholders in the oil and gas industry as outlined in the PIA. The project has helped create awareness and build capacity across five Niger Delta states: Rivers, Ondo, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa,  benefiting around 500 individuals. The MSP, which drives the Bridges Project, includes representatives from government, civil society, and the Trusts.

Speaking at the event, titled “Bridges Project: Host Community Development Trust (HCDTs) Dialogue and Experience Sharing Forum,” the Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, emphasized the importance of the PIA as a blessing for the indigenes of oil-producing areas. He commended PIND and the Ford Foundation for initiating the Bridges Project, noting that its findings align with the objectives of his committee and will guide its work in the 10th National Assembly.

Hon. Dekor, who represents the Khana/Gokana constituency, highlighted the need to make HCDTs operational and ensure sustainable development to maintain peace in host communities. He announced that the House Committee is working on a strategic plan to monitor the PIA’s implementation and build partnerships. He also stressed the importance of settlers and host communities coexisting peacefully to ensure that the communities benefit from the PIA.

Tunji Idowu, Executive Director of PIND, highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in implementing the PIA, particularly Chapter 3, which focuses on host community development trusts. Idowu emphasized PIND’s ongoing commitment since 2010 to reduce poverty, mitigate conflict, and empower communities in the Niger Delta. He noted that PIND leverages its expertise to train the trusts, improve their practices, and support the smooth and conflict-free implementation of the Act.

The Chairman of the Bridges Project Multiple Stakeholders Platform, Prof. Femi Ajibola, presented key outcomes from discussions held during the past year of MSP gatherings. These outcomes included the importance of partnership and collaboration among BOT members from different sectors within the same community, the need for state governments to be involved in community development efforts, and the necessity of closely monitoring the complexities and litigations in the oil and gas industry.

The Community Engagement Expert also discussed the benefits accrued to MSP members, including knowledge sharing, alternative solutions and collaborations, networking opportunities, compliance awareness, legal and strategic planning, and managing expectations surrounding the PIA and its processes.

Prof. Ajibola stressed the importance of continuous adoption of the models discussed during the MSP gatherings to ensure the effective implementation of the PIA.

The National Chairman of the HCDTs Forum and representative of Emuoha HCDT Smart Okpara expressed gratitude to PIND for creating the structure that has helped members understand the Act better. “Through these training sessions, we’ve learned the Act, developed community development plans, and acquired skills in monitoring, evaluation, and conflict management,” he said.

Dr. Erissa Danladi, a civil society representative on the board of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), described the forum as a valuable opportunity for dialogue and sustainable development. She praised the PIA as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards transparency, accountability, and equitable growth and urged participants to view the dialogue as a framework for effective and inclusive development.

The event also featured participation from various stakeholders, including Engr. Theophilus Allagoa, Director of Community and Rural Development at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), representatives from States Ministries of Energy Resources,  members of Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s), Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) and representatives of the various Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT’s) from the focal states

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Bridges Project report, followed by breakout sessions where participants discussed the challenges and opportunities of the PIA.

Recommendations from the session included broadening the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) to include more stakeholders like state and local governments, NDDC, and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. It was also recommended to strengthen the organizational capacity of HCDTs in advocacy, project management, financial management, and monitoring & evaluation.

Click Here to Download Report https://ndlink.org/pind-bridges-project-report-january-december-2023/