…Stakeholders Demand Stronger Monitoring
Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have called for stronger monitoring and accountability in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly in the operations of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).
They made the call during a one-day town hall meeting in Port Harcourt on “Maximizing the Benefits of Host Community Development Trusts in the Niger Delta.”
Speaking at the event, the Country Director of Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), Mrs. Florence Ibok-Abasi, said the HCDT framework has recorded notable progress in some communities but requires improved transparency and sustained stakeholder engagement to achieve its full objectives.
She stressed the need for effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure proper utilisation of funds allocated to host communities.
According to her, while some projects under the scheme are commendable, accountability remains essential for long-term impact.
She also noted that civil society organisations are focused on promoting accountability rather than undermining stakeholders, adding that effective implementation is crucial as Nigeria gradually transitions away from oil-dependent revenues.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of implementation despite funding of about 140 trusts across the Niger Delta.
He said many communities are yet to feel the expected impact of the initiative, attributing delays to leadership disputes, internal disagreements and legal challenges in some host communities.
Dekor warned that the committee would intensify oversight from July 2026, insisting that trust administrators must account for how funds are managed and deployed.
He added that the National Assembly would deploy all legislative measures necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the PIA.
The event also featured the presentation of an SDN study titled “Evaluation of the Implementation Status of Host Community Development Trusts in the Niger Delta,” which assessed achievements, gaps and governance challenges affecting the trusts.
SDN further unveiled an Independent HCDT Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Reporting and Learning Platform, a digital tool designed to track implementation and improve transparency in real time.
SOURCE: vanguardngr.com