By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government and the NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (JV) have emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders in oil-producing communities to drive sustainable development.
This call was made by the Managing Director of FIRST E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Ph.D), at the KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
As part of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 implementation, the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) was established by NNPC/FIRST E&P in 2023. The trust convened the KHCDT stakeholder forum under the theme ‘Envisioning Sustainable Community Development in Niger Delta Host Communities: Identifying Challenges and Actualising the PIA Paradigm Shift’, providing a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration among Host Community Development Trusts.
The event brought together representatives from oil and gas regulatory agencies, over 100 Host Community Trusts, Settlors, and private sector stakeholders.
FG Commends NNPC/FIRST E&P JV on Community Development
In his keynote address, Lokpobiri lauded NNPC/FIRST E&P for sustaining its strategic partnership with KHCDT, emphasizing the importance of unity among host community leaders.
“The KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust has demonstrated its commitment to utilizing available funds to drive meaningful development in the host communities. I believe that when community leaders work together, they can bring about real transformation,” Lokpobiri stated.
FIRST E&P Reaffirms Commitment to Host Communities
Represented by the General Manager, Engineering and Capital Projects, John Alamu, FIRST E&P’s Managing Director, Adeyemi-Bero, reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting the socio-economic growth of host communities. He acknowledged KHCDT’s progress in implementing impactful interventions across health, education, infrastructure, water supply, capacity building, and local content development.
Aligning PIA Implementation with Sustainable Development
Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, represented by Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Edith Lawson, described the forum as an avenue to develop actionable strategies for sustainable development and equitable distribution of PIA benefits.
“The Petroleum Industry Act represents a significant policy shift, offering a structured approach to resource management and community development,” Omotowa stated.
Traditional Leaders and Regulators Highlight Impact of KHCDT
Chairman of KHCDT, HRH Moko-ama Sangana Kingdom, Moses Theophilus, emphasized that effective PIA implementation can bring transformative changes, ensuring that oil and gas activities benefit host communities. He expressed appreciation for NNPC/FIRST E&P JV’s support in establishing the KHCDT and its commitment to community development.
Similarly, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) CEO, Gbenga Komolafe, represented by Executive Commissioner, Safety, Environment and Community, Captain John Tonlagha, described the institutionalization of the community development trust initiative as a defining moment in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. He noted that, unlike previous efforts, the initiative prioritizes governance, transparency, and accountability.
Forum Addresses Challenges and Solutions
The event featured panel sessions where stakeholders discussed challenges faced by host communities and explored solutions for improving their welfare.
The KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum underscored the critical role of collaboration in fostering sustainable development, with the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV reaffirming its commitment to empowering host communities through the PIA framework.
