The Rivers State Government has commenced a two-day sensitization workshop to raise awareness about the Host Community Development provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The programme, organised in partnership with the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and F1 Team Associates, targets local government leaders, host communities, and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the opening session, facilitator and lead consultant at F1 Team Associates, Barr. Jude Ndubuisi, said the initiative seeks to simplify the provisions of the PIA for people at the grassroots.
He explained that Rivers State, as a key oil-producing state, must ensure communities and local councils fully understand the roles of structures created under the law, such as the Board of Trustees, management and advisory committees, as well as the regulatory oversight of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
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Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government, George Onegiyeofori, said the workshop has given councils a clearer understanding of how to monitor Host Community Development Committees in the management of the three per cent fund earmarked for community projects.
Prof. Chukwucheta Emejuru of the Rivers State University’s Centre for Advanced Law Research noted that while the current three per cent allocation was a compromise, future amendments to the Act could provide room for improvement.
A participant Mr. Kepoye Mark, Executive Director of the Abua Odual Kepoye Foundation, the sessions underscored the importance of legal knowledge and community participation in implementing the PIA.
The event attracted local government chairmen, academics, civil society groups, and host community representatives.
