To strengthen ties with host communities and promote inclusive development, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), in partnership with Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL), officially inaugurated the Board of Trustees (BOT) for the OML-13 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) on August 1st , 2025.
The event, held at Joodag Hotel in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, drew dignitaries from the oil and gas sector, government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders. The Inauguration marks the formal implementation of a key provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which mandates the establishment of HCDTs to drive grassroots development through oil industry revenue.
Delivering the Keynote address, Mr Auwal Ya’u, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of NEPL, highlighted the significance of the event and the relationship between NEPL,SEL, and the host communities of OML 13. He reaffirmed the joint venture’s commitment to the full implementation of the PIA, including the allocation of 3% of annual operating expenditure into the Host Community Trust Fund. Mr. Ya’u underscored that the formation of the BOT was not just a legal compliance measure, but a heartfelt step toward fostering peace, shared responsibility, and a transparent development structure that will directly benefit the people at the grassroots level. “We are not just managing oil and gas operations— we are co-writing a new story of impact and unity with our communities,” he noted.
Representing the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Mr. Etim Etukudo, State Coordinator in Eket, read a speech on behalf of the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe. He acknowledged the milestone achievement and praised NEPL and SEL for following due process in establishing the trust. Mr. Etukudo reminded all present that the role of the NUPRC goes beyond regulation–it includes strict oversight to ensure project implementation, fund accountability, and community participation. He noted that over 146 HCDTs had been registered nationwide, with many already funded and executing projects. He urged the new BOT to invest wisely in long-term community benefits like education, renewable energy, healthcare, and skills acquisition, emphasizing that their legacy should outlast the oil itself.
The goodwill message from the Akwa Ibom State Government was delivered by Mrs. Ikwobia Esq, who stood in for the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources(Petroleum), Rt Hon Nsikak Ekong. She commended the NEPL-SEL joint venture for achieving this critical milestone, describing the inauguration as a strong demonstration of sincerity and a desire to work collaboratively with host communities. Mrs. Ikwo who emphasized the importance of community inclusion, assured the gathering of the state government’s support under the leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, especially in providing a conducive environment for investment and ensuring that HCDT aligns with the Arise Agenda for economic growth and infrastructural development in the region.
Accepting the leadership role on behalf of the newly inaugurated trustees, the BOT Chairman delivered a heartfelt and passionate speech. He described the inauguration as a moment of long-awaited hope and responsibility, one that places the future of host communities into the hands of individuals trusted to act with fairness and transparency. He pledged that the board would prioritize life-changing projects in education, healthcare, job creation, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. “We are not here to serve ourselves,” he declared. “We are here to serve the people with honesty, integrity, and accountability. This trust belongs to the community, and we are only its caretakers”. He concluded with a call for unity and collective vision among all stakeholders.
The event ended with a warm vote of thanks delivered by Lead, Base Management of Sumedha Energy Limited formally known as Natural Oilfield Services Ltd (NOSL). He appreciated the host communities, traditional institutions, government agencies, and the NEPL-SEL team for making the inauguration possible. He emphasized that the establishment of the HCDT reflects more than regulatory compliance — it is an expression of the joint venture’s moral commitment to meaningful development and partnership. He reminded everyone that no oil company can succeed without the trust and cooperation of its host. “This trust is not just paperwork,” he said, “it is our promise to the people that we are here to grow together — and we are here to stay.”
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