Host Communities (HostCom) in the Niger Delta must sustain peace and create a conducive environment to continue benefiting from the Host Community Trust Fund established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D., made this call during the KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Addressing representatives of Host Communities, he emphasized the need for stability and security in the oil-producing region to maximize the opportunities provided by the Trust Fund.
“As critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil industry, HostComs must prioritize stability and the security of oil installations. A secured and stable environment will not only guarantee continuous access to development funds but will also attract further investments that can drive growth and improve livelihoods,” Lokpobiri stated.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the development of Host Communities under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the implementation of the PIA is a clear demonstration of this commitment, ensuring that communities benefit directly from the resources extracted from their lands.
Commending the Host Communities for their cooperation, which has contributed to increased oil production and relative peace in the region, Lokpobiri urged them to sustain these efforts for long-term prosperity.
He stressed that continued stability is key to unlocking more opportunities for infrastructural development, employment, and economic growth in the Niger Delta.
The KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum provided a platform for dialogue between government representatives and Host Communities, reinforcing the shared responsibility of maintaining peace and fostering development in the region.