Firm Commits 3% Revenue To Host Communities, Inaugurates Development Trust

Energia Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable host community development by dedicating three per cent of its annual gross revenue to community development initiatives, as it inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in Delta State.

The inauguration, held in Asaba on July 3, 2026, was conducted alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Energia Limited, its Joint Venture partner, Oando Plc, and the seven host communities, in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

The event brought together representatives of the Delta State Government, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees and other stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

Representing the governor of Delta State, the deputy chief of staff, Christopher Osakwe, commended Energia and the host communities for successfully establishing the Trust and signing the MoU.

He described the initiative as a demonstration of the parties’ commitment to partnership and sustainable development and urged the Board of Trustees to discharge its responsibilities with transparency, accountability and fairness. He also encouraged host communities to continue protecting oil and gas infrastructure while embracing dialogue as the preferred means of resolving disputes.

Speaking at the event, the managing director and chief executive officer of Energia Limited, Oladimeji Bashorun, said the inauguration marked the beginning of a new phase in the company’s relationship with its host communities, built on partnership, shared responsibility and sustainable development.

According to him, although the Petroleum Industry Act provides a structured framework for host community development, Energia had prioritised community investment long before the legislation came into force.

He disclosed that the company has invested more than N15.94 billion in host community development projects since achieving First Oil in 2009. The investments span road construction, drainage systems, healthcare facilities, educational programmes, scholarships, youth empowerment initiatives, solar-powered street lighting and other social infrastructure.

Bashorun added that Energia has institutionalised an annual commitment of three per cent of its gross revenue to fund sustainable development projects in its host communities through the Host Community Development Trust.

Also speaking, the asset manager of Oando, Seyi Fawora, reaffirmed the Joint Venture’s commitment to effective implementation of the Host Community Development Trust, noting that the partnership remains focused on fostering stronger and mutually beneficial relationships with host communities.

The representative of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Dennis Eyitemi, described the inauguration as a major milestone in promoting host community participation in development. He urged members of the Board of Trustees to uphold accountability and transparency while working to improve the welfare of the communities.

Providing an overview of the Host Community Development Trust framework, the Delta State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Irebe, commended Energia for exceeding the statutory requirements of the Petroleum Industry Act. He advised members of the Board to prioritise community interests and ensure prudent management of the Trust’s resources.