By Onome Oghenetega
In line with the act establishing the Petroleum Industry Act, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has inaugurated the board of trustees of the Warri Kingdom Coastal Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) for oil-bearing communities in Itsekiriland.
Speaking at the inauguration held in Warri, Chevron’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, charged members of trustee to support other stakeholders to bring development to their communities.
Brikinn, represented by the Warri Area Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Field Operations, CNL, Momodu Rilwanu, said Chevron through her Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), which was instituted in 2005, had benefited over 400 communities with over 600,000 persons empowered.
He stated that with the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as the new regulatory framework for the development of host communities, the era of GMoU/OMoU which has been key to the development communities, had ended.
Brikinn assured that Chevron would continue to support and fulfil all regulatory obligations in the operation of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in its area of operations to enhance economic development.
He, however, asked the Board of Trustees to work with other stakeholders for a generally acceptable name and expansion of the committee to accommodate more persons in the interest of peace and development.
According to him, “Chevron has a long history of partnership with its host communities as it is one of our core values to ensure economic development and sustainability in our areas of operations.
“It is on this premise that we pioneered in 2005 the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-led participatory partnership model for community development, which served as a developmental template in the industry. Through this model, over 400 communities have benefitted and the quality of life of over 600,000 people have been improved in diverse ways.
“With the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a regulatory framework is now provided to enable the development of our host communities. Chevron Nigeria Limited has therefore transited from the era of GMoU/OMoU to the PIA. As mandated by the Act, the vehicle of engagement between settlor and host communities is the HCDT. Today’s event is a fulfilment of that requirement and serves to assure that communities around where we operate continue to enjoy the benefits of economic development.
“Chevron is in support of this and other industry improvement initiatives by the government of Nigeria and we are committed to fulfilling all of our regulatory obligations as we operationalize the HCDTs and continue the mutually-beneficial relationship that has existed between us and our host communities.
“As we start this new journey together, we request for the continued support of all our esteemed stakeholders to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Act are fulfilled and the communities around us become more prosperous. With this we hope to see a new operating environment where partnership triumphs and industry challenges such as oil theft, work disruptions, asset vandalism and insecurity are finally eliminated.
“As you are inaugurated this day, esteemed members of the Board of Trustees of the Warri Kingdom Coastal HCDT, we ask that you work with us as partners to see our operations benefit all stakeholders.”
While administering the oath of office on the members of the board of trustees chaired by Mr. Ikolo Emmanuel Oritsebemigho, Brikinn commended the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse lll and Itsekiri people for supporting the operation of Chevron in their land.
In his remark, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission · (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, explained that the establishment of HCDTs in line with the PIA is aimed to foster sustainable prosperity among host communities.
Komolafe, who was represented by Mr. Kingsley Okundia from NUPRC Regional Office, said “The Commission, as the instrument of the Federal Government, saddled with oversight on Trust establishment, incorporation and administration is delighted to witness the implementation of several sections of Chapter three of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“2021 mandating the establishment of HCDTs for the purposes of fostering sustainable prosperity within host communities, providing direct social and economic benefits from petroleum operations, enhancing peaceful and harmonious co-existence between Licensees and Lessees and their host communities as well as creating a framework to support the development of host communities.”
“It is our hope that the peace and harmony exhibited by the communities under the War Kingdom Coastal HCDT will be sustained during the day-to-day management of the affairs of the Trust, to address the developmental needs of impacted host communities in oil-producing areas”, Komolafe added.
Also speaking, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lll, represented by Chief Anthony Onuwaje, charged members of the board to be accountable and ensure physical development of oil-bearing communities in Itsekiriland by the management of the resources.
The monarch warned members of the HCDT against bad leadership and selfishness by enriching themselves with the common resources of the people, adding that Itsekiriland could become a second Dubia if the resources coming to the communities were properly managed.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Warri Kingdom Coastal HCDT, Host Communities’ Development Trust, Mr. Ikolo, assured that members of the board will discharge their duties with integrity and interest of their people.
Ikolo, flanked by some members of the board including Alhaji Bernard Emiko, Ademola Odemi Doris, Tosan Tonwe, Malemi Johnson and Oritshuwa Uwawah, commended Chevron and NUPRC for the smooth inauguration, and assured that there will be peace in their areas of operation.
The inauguration was attended by the Director-General (DG) of the Delta Security Matters, Hon. David Tonwe Chief Eugene Ikomi, Chief Walter Boyo, Chief Omolubi Newuwumi, Mr. Lugbemi Uwawah, Comrade Besidone Samuel Eyengho among others.
