Ogheneruona Tejiri/Ebilabor Joy/Orio Oghenevwegba
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) /Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) Joint Venture (JV) has inaugurated the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Egbema OPUDIS Host Communities’ Development Trust (HCDT) in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The BoT which comprised eight members was inaugurated on Thursday in Warri
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In his address of welcome, Mr Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limitd (CNL)solicited the support of the stakeholders to ensure the success of the PIA in the host communities.
Represented at the ceremony by Mr Rilwanu Momodu, Chevron’s Area Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA). Mr. Brikinn said that Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) was committed to fulfilling all it’s regulatory obligations by way of operationalizing the HCDTs and continued with the mutually-beneficial relationship that had existed between it and the host communities.
He said that there was an enduring and robust partnership between the oil giant and it’s host communities adding that one of the core values of Chevron Nigeria Limited(CNL)was to ensure economic development and sustainability in it’s areas of operations.
Mr. Brikinn said that to drive development in the host communities, Chevron Nigeria Limited(GNL) enacted the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-led participatory partnership model for community development in 2005.
According to him, the GMoU served as a developmental template for the oil multinational, adding that through the model, over 400 communities had benefited with over 600,000 persons life improved.
Mr. Brikinn added, “with the enactment of the PIA, a regulatory framework is now provided to enable the development of our host communities. Chevron has therefore transited from the era of GMoU to the PIA.
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“As mandated by the Act, the vehicle of engagement between the settlor and the host communities is the HCDT. Today’s event is in fulfilment of that requirement to serve and ensure communities around where we operate continue to enjoy the benefits of economic development.
“Chevron is in support of this and other industry improvement initiatives by the Nigeria government.
“As we journey together, we request for the continued support of all our esteemed stakeholders to ensure the aims of the Act are fulfilled and the communities become more prosperous.”
Mr. Brikinn expressed hope that the Act would create new operating environment where partnership would triumphed and industry challenges such as oil theft, work disruption, asset vandalism and insecurity would be completely eliminated.
He, however, urged the newly inaugurated BoT to work closely with the Chevron Nigeria Limited(CNL)as partner to ensure the smooth operation of the company and to the benefits all the stakeholders.
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Also speaking, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission(NUPRC) said that the Commission was delighted to witness the implementation of the several sections of the chapters in the PIA.
Represented by Mr. Okundia Kingsley, Manager, Health Safety and Environment, NUPRC, Warri Regional office, Engr. Komolafe said that the PIA had mandate for the establishment of the HCDTs in the oil producing areas.
According to him, the purpose was to strengthen sustainability, prosperity within host communities, providing direct social benefits from petroleum operations, enhancing peaceful and harmonious co-existence and creating a framework for the development of the host communities.
“We joined stakeholders in welcoming the birth of a new era of developmental projects and economic advancement of host communities.
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“NUPRC in line with the global best practice and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders has developed the robust implementation strategy for the Trust.
“To positively impact against restiveness in the host communities and guaranteed seemless operations of the exploration and production companies among others,” he said.
The Commission’s Chief Executive expressed the hope that the peace and harmony exhibited by the communities under the Egbema OPUDIS HCDT would be sustained going forward.
Engr. Komolafe also expressed hope that management of the affairs of the Trust would address the developmental needs of the impacted host communities in the oil producing areas..
On his part, the King of Egbema Kingdom, Ubabiri Bini Pere IV, Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom urged those involved in the management of the HCDT to exhibit absolute commitment to ensure its success.
The royal father was represented by Chief Matthew Tiemo.
“It is a thing of joy to us that the PIA is coming to fruition in our Egbema Kingdom. I advised those involved in the operation to do their best to the benefit of everyone.
“We want serous people in the Trust to ensure its success so that we all will be proud of belonging to oil and gas producing communities,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the BoT, it’s chairman, Mr Edward Tiemo said that the Trust would focused more on human capital development, noting “when you develop human beings, you have developed the environment”.
“To do our job well, we need the cooperation of the communities, cordial and functional partnership with Chevron and peaceful and conducive environment for the company to operate.
“This is a place to work for the progress of the communities and am sure, I have the support of the members and we will do our best,” Tiemo said.
