The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has expressed concerns over continued illegal oil exploration by some indigenes of the host communties of oil producing areas in the South-East and South South regions, saying their activities were hindering development.
The Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, made the disclosure during a town hall meeting hosted by NUPRC in conjunction with HOSTCOM Project Management and Advisory Konsult Ltd for Host Communties Development Board of Trustees (HCDTS) and SETTLORS, Imo/Abia State in Owerri, the Imo State capital. While highlighting the challenges faced by the commission in disbursement of funds to oil communties, he said the setback had also reduced the level of funds for development of the areas.
Eyesan, who was represented by Atama Daniel, cited the explosion of Abacheke, Mmahun in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State where over 100 people were burnt to death during an illegal oil refining activity in a bush.
He said, “this is a big challenge, if you go to Abacheke, Mmahun, I remember what happened sometime ago where over two hundred people died in a bush while exploring oil illegally, we have tried to stop them but 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 will continue to make sure this is checked,” Atama said. He read the chapter 3 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and its significance to the oil host communties, saying; “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 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.”
On his part, the chairman of the HOSTCOM, Dr. Benjamin Tamarenebi!, in his remarks at the occasion, appealed to the host communties to always embark on sustainable development projects rather than frivolous white elephant projects.
According to him, the funds disbursed to communities have increased compare to the previous amounts and urged the communities to take good advantage of it.
Tamarenebi said, “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 order not to waste the funds, manpower, train your children with the funds, scholarship instead of buying vehicles or renting apartment in the city.”
Those who attended the event include Eze Emmanuel Assor, the traditional ruler of Assa who doubles as the National Secretary of Traditional Rulers of Oil, Minerals Producing Communities (TROMPCOM), and several others.
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