The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been commended for its remarkable performance in implementing host community development projects across oil-producing states in the past four years.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Kingsley Charles, President of the Niger Delta Citizens Alliance (NDCA), and Ogbobetta Nelli, the group’s Secretary-General, NDCA applauded the Commission’s effective supervision of the ₦373 billion Host Community Development Fund (HCDF) established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
According to the NDCA, the NUPRC has overseen over 500 community-based projects — including hospitals, schools, skill acquisition centres, and clean water facilities — across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
The group said these projects have not only improved the quality of life for residents but also strengthened relationships between oil-producing communities and energy companies.
It also commended the Commission’s HostComply Dashboard, a digital platform that allows public tracking of project funds and delivery timelines. The platform, according to NDCA, has enhanced accountability, transparency, and public trust in the management of host community projects.
“The NUPRC’s initiatives have brought a new sense of belonging and confidence among oil-producing communities,” the statement read. “Through the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), the Commission has ensured that development reaches those directly impacted by oil exploration.”
The group further urged oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to sustain their compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, particularly the three per cent annual contribution to the Host Community Development Trust Fund.
It warned that non-compliance could undermine the progress achieved so far, stressing the importance of continued partnership between regulators, oil firms, and communities.
Marking NUPRC’s fourth anniversary, NDCA described the Commission as a model institution driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector since its establishment in 2021.
“The Commission’s community-centered approach shows how good governance can build trust and ensure equitable development,” NDCA concluded.
