The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has announced that the Host Community Development Trust Fund has grown to ₦373 billion as of October 13, 2025, with 536 development projects currently underway across oil-producing regions.
In a statement on Monday, the Commission’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, said the fund includes ₦125 billion and $168.9 million contributed by oil companies in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
The Host Community Development Trust, established under Section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act, requires oil companies—referred to as “settlors”, to contribute 3 per cent of their annual operating expenditure from the previous financial year into a trust fund dedicated to the development of their host communities.
The statement read, “The Host Community Development Trust has risen to N373bn as of October 13, 2025,” the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission said.
Under the PIA, each settlor is required to establish a Board of Trustees—appointed in consultation with host communities—to manage the trust, which must be duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The funds, deposited in banks with a minimum BBB credit rating, are applied to projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental protection, and other community priorities.
According to the Commission, while it does not directly control the funds, it ensures transparency and compliance through HostComply, a digital monitoring platform that tracks project implementation and disbursements in real time.
Highlighting the tangible impact of the initiative, the NUPRC last month facilitated the commissioning of more than 10 completed projects and the launch of over 10 new ones under the Obagi Host Community Development Trust in Rivers State, operated by TotalEnergies.
The projects were inaugurated between September 24 and 25, 2025, in Ogbogu community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area—an event the Commission described as a significant milestone in implementing the PIA’s host community provisions.
Completed projects include an 18-classroom, two-storey school block; the renovation of Ogbogu Cottage Hospital, now featuring a 20-bed capacity and diagnostic centre; and the upgrade of the Ogbogu Ultra-Modern Civic Centre.
Other completed projects include road pavements in Oboburu community, a bottled and sachet water factory in Amah, as well as gas skid plant installations and school renovations in Erema and Akabuka communities.
According to the Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe—represented by the Executive Commissioner for Health, Safety, Environment, and Community, John Tonglagha—the projects are designed to tackle key challenges in basic education, healthcare, and employment within the host communities.
“These projects are designed to bring lasting benefits to our host communities while promoting peace and cooperation with the oil industry,” Komolafe said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for fostering a supportive policy environment that continues to attract fresh investments into Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.
