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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission(NUPRC) has expressed concern by the continued illegal oil exploration by some indigenes of the host communties of oil producing areas in the South East and South South.
Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan while highlighting the challenges faced by her commission in disbursing funds to oil communties during a town hall meeting hosted by NUPRC in conjunction with Hostcom Project Management and Adversary konsult Ltd for host communties Development Board of Trustees (HCDTS) and SETTLORS, Imo/Abia State in Owerri said the setback has also reduced the level of funds for development of the Areas.
Eyesan represented by Atama Daniel at the event recalled the incident at Abacheke,Mmahun in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State where over two hundred were burnt to death while exploring oil illegallyin a bush.
“This is a big challenge,If you go to Abacheke,Mmahun I remembered what happened sometime ago where over two hundred people died in a bush while exploring oil illegally,we have tried to stop them they always come back,the problems is in the community,they should try and talk to them, most of them now carry arms but that will not deter us we would continue to make sure this is checked.” Atama said.
While explaining the chapter 3 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) act 2021 , and its significance to the oil host communties Atama said “Incorporation of Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs)-sefflors are mandated to incorporate a HCDT for the benefit of host communities. The Trust will manage and oversee a 3% annual contribution from the operating costs of oil companies for community development.
“The 3% contribution is not a favour, but a legal provision to ensure host communities benefit directly from petroleum operations. Funds will be allocated to projects in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment as determined by the host communities.
“The Trust will be governed by credible members of the communities nominated as Board of Trustees, including other members of the communities set up as Management Committee and Advisory Committee. The Management and Advisory Committees will ensure transparency and accountability in funds utilization”.
The chairman of the HOSTCOM, Dr. Benjamin Tamarenebi in his remarks at the occasion earlier advised the host communties to always embark on sustainable development projects rather than frivolous projects.
He said funds disbursed to the communties are now higher than before and urge the communities to take good advantage of it.
“They can build schools ,and other sustainable projects think of something that will be more economical in the community always, if this is done there would be economic activities and development . In other not to waste the funds,man power ,train your children with the funds , scholarship instead of buying vehicles or renting apartment in the city.
