NUPRC Hailed For Projects In Niger-Delta Region

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been praised for its role in implementing host community projects across the oil-producing region in the past four years.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Kingsley Charles, and Secretary-General, Ogbobetta Nelli, the Niger Delta Citizens Alliance (NDCA) said the Commission had made progress through the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) created under the Petroleum Industry Act.

The NDCA noted that the Commission has supervised the ₦373 billion Host Community Development Fund and more than 500 projects spread across oil-producing states.

According to the group, the projects include hospitals, schools, water facilities and skill centres in states such as Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom. It added that the initiatives have improved relations between oil companies and communities.

The group also highlighted the Commission’s HostComply dashboard, which it said has made project funds traceable and accessible to the public. NDCA stated that the platform has helped reduce diversion of funds and increase accountability in project delivery.

The NDCA urged oil firms operating in the region to continue complying with their obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act, particularly the three per cent annual contribution to the Host Community Development Trust Fund.

It said such compliance was necessary to sustain the ongoing projects and maintain trust with oil-producing communities.

Marking NUPRC’s fourth anniversary, the group described the Commission as an institution that has overseen community-focused development efforts since its establishment in 2021.