Di Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) don promise say e go ensure oil companies fully comply with di Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to promote sustainable development for oil-producing host communities.
Di Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyeso, talk dis one during sensitisation programme wey hold for Owerri, Imo State. She explain say di PIA 2021 direct oil companies to contribute 3 per cent of their annual operating cost into Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) for community projects.
According to am, di funds go support education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment for host communities.
Mrs. Eyeso, wey Atama Daniel represent for di event, assure say di commission go make sure implementation process smooth and ensure oil companies follow di law.
However, she urge oil-producing communities make dem protect oil facilities for their areas and stop all illegal oil exploration activities, warning say vandalism and illegal refining dey affect community development.
Earlier for di programme, National President of HOSTCOM, Dr. Benjamin Tamarenebi, advise host communities make dem focus on sustainable development projects instead of wasteful spending.
He say funds wey dey disburse to host communities don increase pass before, and communities suppose use am wisely.
“They fit build schools and other lasting projects. Think of projects wey go bring long-term economic value to di community. Train una children, give scholarships, instead of buying vehicles or renting apartments for city,” he advise.
Also speaking, Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Johnson Abiye, call on regulators to ensure proper and transparent implementation of di Petroleum Industry Act, especially as e concern oil-producing communities.
Di sensitisation programme na part of efforts to strengthen understanding of di PIA 2021 and ensure host communities benefit fully from oil and gas operations across Nigeria.
