NUPRC Incorporates 103 Community Trusts, Inaugurates BoT for HCDTs

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday, disclosed that it had incorporated 103 community trusts in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which provides for implementation of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).

A statement by the organisation signed by the Head of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, Mrs. Olaide Shonola, noted that the commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, made the remark while inaugurating the Board of Trustees (BoT) forum of the HCDTs in Abuja.

Komolafe said it had become imperative because of the need for not just a one-stop-shop for resolving host communities' issues, but a vehicle that would enable the smooth administration of the host community provisions in the PIA.

Komolafe said "in compliance with Sections 232 and 235 of the PIA, which provides for implementing the HCDT, NUPRC has incorporated 103 Trusts.

“This is because of the commission’s priority on social inclusion, which is one of the key objectives of the ‘HostCom’ provisions under the PIA, with the belief that social inclusion is and will be the recipe for peace and harmony that will enhance the operations of the oil industry.”

He said it was the reason the commission brought up the HDCT BoT so that there could be, aside from other benefits, a rule of uniform application as part of the developmental objectives provided under the law.

Komolafe pointed out that from the outset, the commission had decided to implement the HostCom provisions transparently.

He added that for efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme's implementation, the commission partnered with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to develop a transparent real-time digital portal/reporting system, known as HOSTCOMPLY, where administration of the scheme will be reported.