The Nigerian government has cautioned oil-producing communities against internal conflicts that disrupt oil production, warning that such infighting could prevent them from accessing the Host Community Development Fund.
Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), made this appeal during his address at the KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The forum, titled “Envisioning Sustainable Community Development in Niger Delta Host Communities: Identifying Challenges and Actualising the PIA Paradigm Shift,” brought together key stakeholders to explore ways to maximize the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Lokpobiri emphasised that while the PIA was established to bring stability to the oil sector and address historical grievances of host communities, internal disputes among these communities have hindered their ability to access and properly use the funds designated for their development.
He stressed that disruption of oil production harms not just the communities but also the Nigerian government and oil companies.
The minister urged Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) in the Niger Delta to effectively use the three per cent of operational funds allocated to them under the PIA to promote sustainable development.
He called on communities to take ownership of oil and gas facilities within their areas and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure they benefit from oil operations.
Lokpobiri also addressed the global shift towards cleaner energy, asserting that fossil fuels will remain essential as long as they are extracted and marketed effectively.
He reiterated the need for continued collaboration among all parties involved in the oil sector.
Engr. Omotsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), reaffirmed the board’s commitment to community engagement and prioritising local content throughout the oil and gas industry.
He praised the efforts of the KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust in ensuring that oil revenues directly benefit local communities.
Mr Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Managing Director of First E & P, also highlighted the importance of the forum as a platform for addressing the challenges facing marginalised communities in the Niger Delta and reiterated the company’s dedication to sustainable development in the region.
