The Delta State government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full implementation of agreements between host communities and oil companies, in alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The government emphasised its unwavering support for host communities and warned against any attempts to undermine their rights.

This assurance was given by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Mr. Monday Onyeme, during a sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the PIA Act, organised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in collaboration with Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited.

The workshop, which was held in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, was aimed at educating host communities about the provisions of the PIA Act 2021.

Onyeme, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Christopher Osakwe, expressed the state government’s determination to promote peace and foster harmonious relations between oil companies and host communities.

While acknowledging that the PIA Act 2021 may not be a perfect document, he assured residents that the government would not tolerate any actions that would undermine the welfare of host communities.

“We encourage host communities to ensure the security of oil company facilities in their areas, as this is crucial to guaranteeing their entitlement to the three percent fund as outlined in the PIA Act 2021,” Onyeme said.


The Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, who was represented by Mr. Akpotowho Kennedy, highlighted the significance of the PIA 2021 as a milestone in regulating the petroleum industry and ensuring sustainable development in host communities.

Komolafe emphasised that host communities play a critical role in the oil and gas sector and that their contributions have been integral to the nation’s economic growth.

He further stressed the importance of properly sensitising these communities on the provisions of Chapter Three of the PIA Act.

Consultant to the NUPRC and CEO of Mecco and Marine Holdings Limited, Chief George Bucknor, explained that the goal of the workshop was to enlighten host communities in Ndokwa East on their social benefits under sections 234 and 240 of the PIA, as well as the provisions in Section 257, subsection 2.

Traditional rulers from the host communities, including the Obi of Aboh, Dr. Gregory Nnamdi Oputa III, commended the initiative and pledged to take active roles in safeguarding oil facilities within their domains.

The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to engage host communities, ensuring that they fully understand and benefit from the provisions of the PIA 2021, while also fostering a productive relationship between these communities and oil companies.



https://punchng.com/pia-delta-vows-to-protect-host-communities-interest/