Host community trust disburses N53bn, $93m to states
The Host Community Development Trust has so far disbursed N53.2bn and $92.77m to benefiting oil-producing communities in various states, the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas and Pipeline Impacted States, announced on Thursday.
HCDT is a programme established by the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 to address the development needs of oil-producing communities impacted by oil operations.
The National Chairman, HOSCON, Mike Emuh, revealed the amount disbursed by the HCDT at a press briefing in Abuja, where he also condemned the allegation of corruption against the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe.
Emuh explained that the host community trust had engaged more than 70 upstream oil operating firms, while 167 community development trust projects were currently ongoing in oil-producing areas as a result of funding from HCDT.
“Within the short period of incorporation of the Host Community Development Trust we have noted the engagement of 71 active upstream operators, 124 incorporated Trusts, 70 funded Trusts, 167 ongoing CDT projects as well as disbursements of N53,209,213,390 and $92,773,905,” Emuh stated.
HCDT is funded by oil companies, as they contribute three per cent of their annual operating expenditure to the Trust of the relevant community.
Each HCDT is a separate trust with a board of trustees responsible for managing the funds and implementing development projects.
It aims to provide sustainable development for host communities through infrastructure development, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and environmental protection initiatives.
Meanwhile, Emuh pointed out that the determination of the NUPRC to enforce some of the regulatory requirements in the upstream oil sector has not gone down well with some individuals in the industry.
This, according to the HOSCON chairman is the reason why such persons have been pushing for the removal of the NUPRC boss.
“It would be seen as an aberration and a maliciously wicked act for some elements within the oil and gas producing communities or states to think of pulling down the commendable achievements already recorded by the commission within this short period.
“They should instead join hands to improve the economic base of the country and make the Niger Delta area a more conducive and prosperous place.
“It’s therefore ridiculous, baseless and unacceptable for a few disgruntled elements to continuously incite some gullible members of the host communities and the public to attempt the removal of the commission chief executive,” he stated.
