The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has launched a Host Community Portal aimed at improving transparency, accountability and sustainable development in petroleum-producing communities across the country.
The portal was unveiled during a Stakeholders’ Sensitisation and Engagement Forum on the Operationalisation of Midstream Petroleum Host Community Development Trusts held in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Community Services of the Authority, Mustafa Lamorde, said the initiative forms part of efforts to fully implement the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Host Community Development Trust Regulations of 2024.
Lamorde, who represented the Authority Chief Executive, Rabiu Umar Abdullahi, explained that the framework was created to strengthen peaceful coexistence between petroleum operators and host communities while advancing socio-economic development.
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According to him, the digital portal is expected to improve openness in the management of host community trust funds by allowing stakeholders to access information on trust objectives, community needs assessments, proposed projects, management structures and fund utilisation.
He further noted that under the Petroleum Industry Act, petroleum operators are required to contribute three percent of their operational expenditure from the preceding year into the Host Community Development Trust Fund annually.
Addressing concerns raised over internet connectivity and digital infrastructure in some host communities, Lamorde assured stakeholders that the Authority would continue consultations and engagements aimed at resolving identified challenges and ensuring effective implementation of the initiative.
