TotalEnergies, Partners Commission Seven Development Projects in Rivers Host Communities

The Obagi Oilfield Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in OML58, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, has achieved a major milestone as TotalEnergies and its joint venture partners commissioned seven new community development projects spanning health, infrastructure, agriculture, economic empowerment, and human capacity development.

The projects, implemented under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, stem from the Community Development Plan (CDP)—a participatory blueprint that identified 539 priority initiatives across 64 host communities within the OML58 area.

Speaking during the commissioning, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and Country Chair of TotalEnergies in Nigeria, described the projects as “early fruits” of the Host Communities Development Trusts established under the PIA.

He noted that the framework marked a decisive shift in Nigeria’s host community engagement model by putting local stakeholders at the heart of development planning and execution.

“The commissioning of these projects reflects TotalEnergies’ identity as a responsible multi-energy company committed to enhancing the well-being of its host communities in line with our sustainable development agenda,” Bouyer stated.

He reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through initiatives that improve livelihoods, strengthen social infrastructure, and promote inclusivity.

Delivering a goodwill message, Senator Ben Agadaga, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Host Communities, commended the successful implementation of the PIA, describing the projects as a testament to the policy’s potential to foster peace and prosperity in the Niger Delta.

He said the tangible outcomes recorded in Obagi illustrate how properly structured host community frameworks can reduce tensions and promote cooperation between oil operators and their host communities.

Representing the state government, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, lauded TotalEnergies and its partners for delivering meaningful impact projects that have transformed the socio-economic landscape of the area. She recalled the region’s long-standing infrastructure gaps and praised the PIA as a catalyst for inclusive development.

“These projects are a visible demonstration of what is possible when corporate partners and communities work together under a transparent framework,” she said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, represented by Hon. Cyril Hart, also expressed satisfaction with the quality and scope of the completed projects. He stressed that channeling oil and gas revenues into community development remains key to achieving sustainable peace in producing regions.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Executive Commissioner Capt. John Tonlagha described the initiative as a symbol of accountability, diligence, and local ownership.

“This milestone shows that true progress is built on unity and peace,” Tonlagha said. “When communities are involved, development becomes sustainable and impactful.”

Community leaders from across OML58 expressed gratitude to the company and its partners, emphasizing that the projects—directly or indirectly—benefit more than 50,000 residents. They appealed to youth groups and residents to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their longevity.

The commissioning ceremony underscored how the Petroleum Industry Act continues to reshape relationships between oil companies and their host communities, translating revenue from hydrocarbons into real, people-centered progress.

By placing communities at the core of development, TotalEnergies and its partners have set a strong example of how sustainable collaboration can build trust, strengthen peace, and deliver shared prosperity across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.