Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The federal government has urged NNPC Exploration & Production Limited, NEPL and Natural Oilfield Services Limited, NOSL, Joint Venture, to prioritize the establishment and implementation of the Host Community Development Trust Fund, as required by the Petroleum Industry Act, 2022.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, gave the charge during a recent visit to Oil Mining Lease, OML13 in Iko Town, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The Minister emphasized the importance of the HCDT in ensuring that host communities benefit tangibly from the operations of NEPL/NOSL JV and assured the Federal Government’s readiness to support the JV in achieving their production targets.
Ekpo also stressed the need for the company to extend electricity supply from their flow station to surrounding communities, enabling them to feel the positive impact of the company’s presence.
Furthermore, Ekpo urged the companies to collaborate with the Federal Government in commercializing their Compressed Natural Gas potential as vehicular fuel, particularly in states like Akwa Ibom where they operate.
He said, “I call on NEPL and NOSL to prioritize the swift establishment and implementation of the Host Community Development Trust Fund, as required by the Petroleum Industry Act 2022. The HCDT is essential for ensuring that the host communities experience tangible benefits from our operations.
“Emphatically, there is need for NEPL and NOSL to extend electricity supply from their flow station to the surrounding communities, enabling them to feel the positive impact of the company’s presence.
“I commended the joint venture for maintaining a harmonious relationship with the host communities, which has facilitated smooth operations in the area. Our collaborative efforts will not only enhance Nigeria’s gas production capacity but also contribute significantly to the economic well-being of these communities.
“Additionally, I urged the companies to collaborate with the Federal Government in the commercialization of their Compressed Natural Gas as vehicular fuel, particularly in states like Akwa Ibom where they operate.
“The visit was an opportunity to reaffirm the Federal Government’s readiness to support NEPL and NOSL in achieving their production targets, and to strengthen our partnership for the betterment of the host communities and the nation’s energy sector.”
