Expand Community Projects Beyond Oil States, Group Tells Commission

The Council of Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), a United Nations-recognised platform, has urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to broaden its community and social development interventions beyond oil-producing states to ensure equitable national growth.

In a statement issued by its director general, Kunle Yusuff, CSCHEI commended the Commission for what it described as its sustained commitment to transparency, operational fairness, and strategic revenue generation for the federal government.

The group said NUPRC’s efforts to strengthen transparency in its database and operations align with global best practices and represents a significant milestone in good governance, especially as Nigeria marks the International Anti-Corruption Day.

CSCHEI said it is seeking collaboration with NUPRC on programmes designed to drive socio-economic development and empowerment across the country.

It appealed to the Commission to extend its interventions to underserved communities, noting that many parts of Nigeria outside the oil-bearing regions also face acute development gaps.

The organisation further encouraged NUPRC to support ongoing national climate advocacy efforts in line with global commitments to tackle climate change.

According to CSCHEI, such cooperation could include capacity-building initiatives and grant-supported programmes focused on emission control, environmental impact assessments, and Nigeria’s energy transition policies, working with donor agencies and development partners.

As part of its 2026 development agenda, CSCHEI unveiled upcoming projects, including the National Civil Society Organisation Summit themed “Nigeria First”, the construction of 1,000 motorised boreholes nationwide, and the provision of public toilets to address sanitation challenges and promote community welfare.

The group also praised NUPRC’s administrative practices, describing them as exemplary and urging other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt similar approaches that promote transparency, fairness, and community development.

CSCHEI said it looks forward to partnering with NUPRC to deepen national development efforts and accelerate positive change across communities in Nigeria.