By Odeya Ogbetuo
The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) in collaboration with Ford Foundation and New Nigeria Foundation have organized a seminar for stakeholders of Oil Producing Communities in Warri and environs on how to benefit from the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA signed into law in 2021.
In his opening speech at PIND Conference Hall, Warri, Delta State, the Executive Director of PIND, Mr. Tunji Idowu said that PIND has committed itself to sensitization and to create awareness session on PIA requirements and implementation process to enable members of Host Communities to understand PIA better.
He said that PIA mandated the creation of Host Communities Development Trusts with the oil and gas operators, described as ‘Settlor’ to incorporate these trusts for the benefits of the host communities and make annual contributions based on 3% of their yearly operating expenditure into a Host Communities Development Trust Fund (HCDTF).
The PIND Executive Director said the programme titled ‘The Bridges Project’ was meant to provide all stakeholders on PIA process, such as community leaders, youth and women leaders, representatives of government, Settlors and NGOs and CSOs with awareness and education on the provisions and requirements of the PIA, adding that it is also to inform and clarify the roles and expectations of community stakeholders in setting up governance organs of the HCDTF, the Board of Trustees, Management Committee, and Advocacy Committee, and the overall implementation of the PIA. It also meant to build the capacities of civil society actors such as NGOs and CSOs working in the sector to enable them effectively perform required roles, community needs and assessment exercises community development plan.
He said:“ It is also to bring all community stakeholders, NGOs and CSOs to the discussion table and have them speak from an informed position on PIA. This awareness creation session will provide the Host Community Trust members and Community Stakeholders with a deep and better understanding of the PIA.”
The Executive Director who was represented by Mr. Chuks Ofulue, PIND Advocacy Manager said they are to ensure each stakeholder fully comprehends their role in the Host Community Development Trust to achieve direct social and economic benefits for host communities to enhance peaceful and harmonious coexistence between the Settlors and the communities to ensure sustainable community development.
In her contribution, Patience Ogwara, a facilitator from the New Nigeria Foundation said that management of the PIA Fund has been put place for easy administration of the Fund for the benefit of the people of Host communities.
She disclosed that 75% of the fund is for projects, 20% reserved for other things while 5% for administration, adding that there will be Executive and Non-executive members to serve for a minimum of 4 years and maximum of 8 years respectively.
In her incisive lecture, a Consultant, Bob-Emmanuel explained the PIA Sensitization and Awareness creation for the Establishment and Implementation of Host Community Development Trust Fund, HCDTF Stakeholders Workshop for the communities to be abreast on the proper implementation of the PIA and the benefit to the host communities.