By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Managing Director of Platform Petroleum Limited, Mr. John Anim, has said mutual understanding between the oil industry and host community relations remained crucial for industry survival.
Anim stated during the “Investment Opportunities in Nigeria” panel session at the “Invest in Africa Energy 2024” conference held in Paris, France. This was as he applauded the positive impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, saying the PIA has significantly improved the investment landscape since its enactment three years ago. Anim highlighted that one of the major constraints in the Niger Delta is security challenge, which has seen substantial improvement.
He attributed past security issues to the exclusion of host communities from the benefits of oil and gas activities. The PIA’s focus on including these communities as major stakeholders has effectively transformed the landscape by making host communities’ major stakeholders through the Host Community Development Trust.
“We have observed a remarkable shift in community relations. Three different communities that previously resisted our operations are now inviting us to explore oil and gas opportunities. This change is driven by the positive outcomes seen in other communities where the Host Community Development Trust has been implemented. The inclusion of host communities has ensured that environmental impacts are minimised, and the resources are shared more equitably,” Anim said.
He emphasised that the collaboration between communities and operators is a testament to the improved investment climate in Nigeria and commended the current administration’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business, which has made the environment more welcoming to investors.
“The collaboration ensures that operations are seamless, and this is crucial for attracting further investments,” he further noted.