Stakeholders in the OML 13 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) have taken a significant step towards sustainable community development with the formal presentation of a comprehensive Needs Assessment Report for host communities within the OML 13 area.
The presentation ceremony, held on Monday in Uyo, brought together representatives of government regulatory agencies, oil and gas operators, community leaders, and members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the OML 13 HCDT.
A cross section of stakeholders
OML 13 is operated through a joint venture between NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL), with both companies working collaboratively to drive hydrocarbon development while promoting sustainable growth and socio-economic advancement in their host communities. The Needs Assessment Report represents one of the key initiatives jointly supported by the partners to ensure that community development investments are aligned with the actual needs and priorities of residents across the OML 13 host communities.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of OML 13 HCDT, Barr. Ekpris Urujzian, a retired Chief Magistrate, described the document as a critical roadmap for development interventions across the host communities. He noted that the report reflects the aspirations, challenges, and priorities identified by the people and would serve as a guide for impactful and sustainable projects in the years ahead.
Stakeholders during review meeting.
The technical breakdown of the report was delivered by Engr. Festus Sunday, a member of the OML 13 HCDT, who highlighted the extensive scope of the assessment.
According to him, the 624-page document, commissioned by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL), provides an in-depth analysis of development needs across the Trust’s eleven host local government areas.
Engr. Sunday disclosed that the assessment identified key priority areas requiring intervention, including healthcare, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure development, human capital development, youth empowerment, livelihood support, and environmental sustainability.
He explained that the report was the outcome of extensive consultations and engagements with stakeholders and community members, ensuring that the recommendations accurately reflect the realities and developmental aspirations of the host communities.
Speaking at the event, Adeniji Titilayo, representative of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), commended the OML 13 Host Communities Development Trust, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), Sumedha Energy Limited, and all stakeholders for the successful completion of the needs assessment exercise. She described the report as a critical milestone in the implementation of the Host Community provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that the document provides a credible evidence-based framework for identifying and prioritizing development interventions in the affected communities.
Titilayo emphasized that the essence of the PIA is to promote sustainable prosperity, social inclusion, and peaceful coexistence between petroleum operators and their host communities.
According to her, the comprehensive needs assessment demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that development projects are community-driven, responsive to local realities, and aligned with the aspirations of the people.
She further urged the Board of Trustees and management of the Trust to ensure that the recommendations contained in the report are translated into measurable projects capable of improving the quality of life of residents across the eleven host local government areas. She stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement, and effective monitoring in the implementation process.
The NUPRC representative reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing regulatory oversight and support to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the PIA. She assured stakeholders that the Commission would continue to monitor the activities of the Trust and operators to guarantee that host communities derive the intended social and economic benefits envisioned under the law.
Titilayo expressed optimism that the report would serve as a catalyst for accelerated development, improved community relations, and sustainable growth across the OML 13 host communities, while encouraging all parties to maintain the spirit of collaboration that made the exercise successful.
Also addressing the gathering, Auwal Ya’u, Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) of NEPL for OML 13, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the development objectives of the Host Communities Development Trust. He assured stakeholders that NEPL would adhere to the required timelines to facilitate the release of funds for the implementation of identified projects.
Similarly, Susan Bassey, Manager, Community Security, expressed satisfaction at the successful completion and presentation of the report. She described the milestone as the culmination of dedicated efforts by numerous stakeholders and said it had been an honour to serve in a role that contributed to the realization of the initiative.
The needs assessment covers eleven local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, namely Eastern Obolo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi, Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno, Etinan, Oruk Anam, Nsit Ubium, and Urue-Offong/Oruko.
The report further recommends prioritizing high-impact community infrastructure projects, strengthening healthcare and educational services, expanding access to clean water and sanitation, investing in youth development and entrepreneurship, implementing environmentally sustainable interventions, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
Participants at the event emphasized that achieving the report’s objectives would require continued collaboration among government agencies, NEPL, Sumedha Energy Limited, regulatory authorities, development institutions, non-governmental organizations, and host communities.
The event was well attended by Kingsley Etuk Ekuri of NUPRC, Eket zone, senior managers of NEPL and Sumedha Energy Limited, members of the OML 13 HCDT Board of Trustees, community representatives, and other key stakeholders, all of whom expressed optimism that the report would herald a new era of inclusive and sustainable development across the OML 13 host communities.
