A multi-stakeholder platform has developed a model aimed at enhancing the effective operationalization of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The model consists of five community development modules designed to promote efficient and effective implementation of the PIA and support sustainable development in host communities.
The modules include multiple settlors community module, project and capacity building module, matrix sharing formula, inclusivity model, and monitoring and evaluation framework model.
These modules, according to the stakeholders aimed to address the challenges associated with the implementation of the PIA and ensure that Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) operate in a manner that promotes sustainable development and benefits host communities.
The development of the model was a result of extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation, involving representatives from HCDTs, civil society organizations, government, and community leaders.
Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt at the conclusion of multi stakeholders meeting, consultant for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta(PIND) on the Bridge Project, Dr. Rachael Misan-Rupee explained that the model became necessary to build the capacity of Host Communities after the Petroleum Industry Act was enacted in 2021.
She noted that the project aimed to bridge the gap between communities, regulators, and decision-makers to ensure sustainable development in host communities.
She stated that the Bridges Project has provided capacity building across five focal states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, and Rivers, adding that the project had run for two years and focused on enhancing the effective implementation of Chapter 3 of the PIA, which deals with HCDTs.
According to Chuks Ofulue, Analysis and Advocacy Lead for PIND Foundation, the gathering is crucial in tracking the progress of HCDTs, identifying challenges, and finding ways to support them.
“It is important that we bring the HCDTs together in the second year of the implementation of the PIA to be able to monitor exactly how they’re progressing,” Ofulue said.
The meeting brought together HCDTs that have established their trusts, those in the process of setting up their trusts, those that have been funded, and those that haven’t been funded, noting that the discussions will enable PIND to understand the different scenarios that are unfolding during the implementation process and provide support to ensure that HCDTs are well-established.
