Stakeholders in the OML 13 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), alongside Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL), Sterling Oil’s joint venture with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), have formally presented a comprehensive Needs Assessment Report aimed at guiding development interventions across host communities within the OML 13 area.
The report was unveiled during a presentation ceremony held on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The event brought together representatives of government regulatory agencies, oil and gas operators, community leaders, members of the OML 13 HCDT Board of Trustees (BOT), and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the OML 13 HCDT, Barr. Ekpris Urujzian, a retired Chief Magistrate, described the document as a critical roadmap for future development interventions across the host communities. According to him, the report reflects the aspirations, challenges and priorities identified by community members and is expected to guide sustainable and impactful projects in the years ahead.
Providing a technical overview of the assessment, Engr. Festus Sunday, a member of the OML 13 HCDT, said the report spans more than 700 pages and was commissioned by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL). He explained that the document offers an extensive analysis of development needs across the Trust’s eleven host local government areas.
According to Engr. Sunday, the assessment identified several priority areas requiring intervention, including healthcare, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure development, human capital development, youth empowerment, livelihood support and environmental sustainability. He noted that the findings were the result of extensive consultations and engagements with stakeholders and community members, a process designed to ensure that the recommendations accurately reflect local realities and development aspirations.
Representing the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Adeniji Titilayo commended the OML 13 Host Communities Development Trust, NEPL, Sumedha Energy Limited and other stakeholders for completing the needs assessment exercise. She described the report as an important milestone in the implementation of the Host Community provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), stating that it provides an evidence-based framework for identifying and prioritizing development interventions in affected communities.
Titilayo said the objectives of the PIA include promoting sustainable prosperity, social inclusion and peaceful coexistence between petroleum operators and their host communities. She noted that the assessment reflects an effort to ensure that development projects are community-driven, responsive to local needs and aligned with the aspirations of residents.
She also urged the Board of Trustees and management of the Trust to ensure that the recommendations contained in the report are translated into measurable projects capable of improving the quality of life of residents across the eleven host local government areas. According to her, transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement and effective monitoring will be critical to successful implementation.
The NUPRC representative further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing regulatory oversight and support to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act. She stated that the Commission would continue to monitor the activities of the Trust and operators to help ensure that host communities receive the social and economic benefits envisaged under the law.
Titilayo expressed optimism that the report could contribute to accelerated development, stronger community relations and sustainable growth across the OML 13 host communities, while encouraging stakeholders to maintain the collaborative approach that facilitated the exercise.
Also speaking at the event, Auwal Ya’u, Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) of NEPL for OML 13, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the objectives of the Host Communities Development Trust. He assured stakeholders that NEPL would adhere to the required timelines to facilitate the release of funds for the implementation of identified projects.
Similarly, Susan Bassey, Manager, Community Security, welcomed the successful completion and presentation of the report. She described the milestone as the outcome of the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders and noted that it had been an honour to contribute to the initiative.
The needs assessment covers eleven local government areas in Akwa Ibom State: Eastern Obolo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi, Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno, Etinan, Oruk Anam, Nsit Ubium and Urue-Offong/Oruko.
Among its recommendations, the report calls for prioritizing high-impact community infrastructure projects, strengthening healthcare and educational services, expanding access to clean water and sanitation, investing in youth development and entrepreneurship, implementing environmentally sustainable interventions, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized that achieving the report’s objectives would require sustained collaboration among government agencies, NEPL, Sumedha Energy Limited, regulatory authorities, development institutions, non-governmental organizations and host communities.
The presentation was attended by Kingsley Etuk Ekuri of NUPRC, Eket Zone; senior managers of NEPL and Sumedha Energy Limited; members of the OML 13 HCDT Board of Trustees; community representatives; and other stakeholders. Participants expressed optimism that the report would help shape a new phase of inclusive and sustainable development across the OML 13 host communities.
