Reps c’ttee threatens sanctions on poor PIA implementation, as stakeholders seek close monitoring 

Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have called for a close monitoring of accountability mechanisms in the operations of Host Community Development Trusts, HCDTs, in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

The stakeholders said sustained oversight is critical to ensuring that oil-producing communities benefit fully from the PIA.

This call came during a one-day Town Hall Meeting on “Maximizing the Benefits of Host Community Development Trusts in Host Communities in the Niger Delta in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the Country Director of Stakeholder Democracy Network, SDN, Mrs. Florence Ibok-Abasi, said the HCDT framework has made significant successes in some communities, but requires greater transparency and stakeholder engagement to achieve its full potential.

Ibok-Abasi said: “The HCDT is a very unique model. We have observed significant gains in some states, and some of the projects are remarkable. However, what is extremely important is to have a monitoring process.”

He noted that civil society groups are supporting accountability and not witch-hunting stakeholders, warning that Nigeria’s energy transition makes it imperative for host communities to maximise the opportunities provided by the trust funds, as future revenues from oil may decline.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, expressed worries over the slow pace of implementation, despite the funding of about 140 trusts across the Niger Delta.

Dekor said: “About 140 Trusts have been funded, either fully or partly, but are we having that impact in these communities? The answer is no.” 

Dekor attributed the delays to leadership disputes, internal conflicts and prolonged litigation within some host communities.

The lawmaker warned that the committee would intensify its oversight from July 2026, adding that it would compel trust administrators to explain how funds are being expended.

He insisted that the National Assembly would deploy all available legislative measures to ensure compliance to all aspects of the implementation.

However, the meeting witnessed the presentation of SDN’s study titled “Evaluation of the Implementation Status of Host Community Development Trusts in the Niger Delta,” a research x-rays achievements, implementation gaps and governance challenges affecting the trusts.

SDN also launched its Independent Host Community Development Trust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Reporting and Learning Platform, a digital tool designed to provide real-time information on HCDT implementation.