NCDMB presses oil firms to deepen host community devt

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has urged oil and gas operators to deepen their impact in host communities through stronger partnerships, structured governance, and sustained collaboration.

According to a statement, the call was made on Tuesday at the 2nd KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust Stakeholders’ Forum held at the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, where the board emphasised that effective implementation of host community frameworks is critical to long-term socio-economic development.

KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust is a development initiative for 11 oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, established under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

Funded by a three per cent operating expenditure contribution from the NNPC/First E&P JV. It drives sustainable development in education, infrastructure, and health.

Speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, represented by the Director of Corporate Services, Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to sustainable host community development and commended collaboration among industry players.

He stated that the partnership between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company provides a strong example of aligning community, industry, and institutional priorities.

Ogbe noted that “the Petroleum Industry Act provides a transformative framework for Host Community Development Trusts, positioning them as accountable and well-structured vehicles for long-term socio-economic growth.”

According to the statement, the forum featured technical workshops and panel discussions focusing on leadership, transparency, and inclusive development, with stakeholders highlighting the importance of governance structures in ensuring tangible benefits for host communities.

During a session on strategic leadership, the General Manager, Zonal Coordination, Mr Ifeanyi Ukoha, underscored the need for clear roles and trust-building among stakeholders. He said community content guidelines help in “clearly defining responsibilities between host communities and operators”, while encouraging trust-building as a foundation for sustainable outcomes.

In a panel session, the General Manager of Corporate Communications at NCDMB, Dr Obinna Ezeobi, called for measurable results from host community initiatives.

Ezeobi stressed the need to move “from compliance to impact”, urging stakeholders to implement agreed resolutions, strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and deepen collaboration to achieve lasting results.

Across discussions, participants reportedly identified vision, collaboration, and accountability as critical pillars for success, with stakeholders, including government, regulators, and industry partners, calling for sustained engagement to deliver tangible benefits for host communities.