The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has called on oil and gas operators to expand their contributions to host communities by fostering stronger partnerships, improving governance structures, and maintaining consistent collaboration.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during the 2nd KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust Stakeholders’ Forum, which took place at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. At the event, the Board stressed that properly implementing host community development frameworks is essential for achieving sustainable socio-economic progress over the long term.
The KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust is an initiative designed to support 11 oil-producing communities in Bayelsa State. It was established under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is funded through a three per cent operating expenditure contribution from the NNPC Limited and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company joint venture. The trust focuses on promoting development in key areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
At the forum, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, represented by the Director of Corporate Services, Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, reiterated the Board’s dedication to advancing sustainable development in host communities. He praised the growing cooperation among industry stakeholders and noted that such collaboration is vital for achieving meaningful progress.
He also pointed out that the partnership between NNPC Limited and First E&P serves as a strong example of how alignment between industry players, local communities, and regulatory institutions can drive shared objectives and positive outcomes.
Ogbe highlighted that the Petroleum Industry Act has created a strong framework for Host Community Development Trusts, enabling them to function as transparent and well-organised mechanisms for delivering long-term social and economic benefits. He emphasised that these structures are designed to ensure accountability and effective use of resources.
The forum featured a series of technical workshops and panel discussions that focused on leadership, transparency, and inclusive development. Participants at the event underscored the importance of solid governance systems in ensuring that host communities receive tangible and measurable benefits from oil and gas operations.
During a session on strategic leadership, the General Manager of Zonal Coordination, Ifeanyi Ukoha, highlighted the need for clearly defined roles among stakeholders and the importance of building trust. He explained that community content guidelines are designed to clearly outline responsibilities between host communities and operators, while also promoting trust as a foundation for sustainable development outcomes.
In another panel discussion, the General Manager of Corporate Communications at NCDMB, Obinna Ezeobi, stressed the importance of achieving measurable results from host community initiatives. He urged stakeholders to shift their focus from mere compliance with regulations to delivering real impact, encouraging them to follow through on agreed commitments, improve monitoring and evaluation processes, and strengthen cooperation.
Across the various sessions, participants identified key elements such as vision, collaboration, and accountability as essential drivers of success. Representatives from government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector called for sustained engagement and collective responsibility to ensure that host communities experience real and lasting benefits from oil and gas activities.
