Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has intensified efforts to implement the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, with the introduction of a digital portal to enhance transparency and accountability.
In a statement issued during a Stakeholder Sensitisation Workshop held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the Authority said the HCDT Digital Portal would streamline processes and strengthen regulatory oversight in host community development initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Authority Chief Executive, Mr. Rabiu Umar, the Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC), Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, said the portal would enable digital registration of Trusts, project tracking, compliance reporting, monitoring of statutory contributions, and real-time supervision.
“With strong national expectations for the HCDT framework to transition from policy to practical implementation, the workshop was organised to provide clarity on the establishment of Host Community Development Trusts,” Lamorde said.
He added that the platform would guide stakeholders on governance responsibilities, obligations of operators and licensees, administration of Trust funds, compliance procedures, and grievance resolution mechanisms.
Lamorde also urged operators in the oil and gas sector to comply with the mandatory three per cent annual contribution requirement to ensure sustainable development in host communities.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, commended the Authority for the initiative, noting that midstream petroleum operations remain critical to Nigeria’s energy security.
He stressed the need for host communities to derive tangible and lasting benefits from oil and gas activities, while calling for unity, accountability, and protection of critical infrastructure.
In her remarks, the Director, Environmental Sustainability and Host Community at NMDPRA, Mrs. Anne Omezi, said the engagement would promote transparency, collaboration, and sustainable development across host communities.
“We are here to build bridges of understanding, foster collaboration and establish a shared vision for community development,” she said.
A community representative, Chief Barry Mwara, described the sensitisation programme as insightful, noting that it provided valuable knowledge to help communities better position themselves to benefit from midstream operations.
He, however, urged the Authority to strengthen its supervisory role to ensure proper management and utilisation of the Trust funds.
The HCDT framework, established under the PIA 2021, is designed to ensure oil-producing and host communities benefit directly from petroleum operations, while promoting sustainable development and reducing conflicts in the sector.
