The Niger Delta Citizens Alliance (NDCA) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its transformative impact on host communities in the oil-producing region, as the Commission mark its fourth anniversary.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Port Harcourt by its President, Kingsley Charles, and Secretary-General, Ogbobetta Nelli, the group praised the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe for translating the promises of resource justice into tangible development through the transparent implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).
“For decades, oil-producing communities were left with promises that never translated into progress. But since the creation of NUPRC in 2021, under Engr. Komolafe’s stewardship, we have witnessed genuine transformation. The Host Community Development Trust has restored hope by ensuring that oil wealth finally reaches the people,” the statement said.
The NDCA lauded the Commission’s supervision of the ₦373 billion Host Community Development Fund and the execution of over 500 projects across the Niger Delta, describing it as “the most inclusive community intervention in Nigeria’s oil history.”
It highlighted visible results from hospitals and schools in Rivers and Bayelsa to water projects and vocational centres in Delta and Akwa Ibom noted that NUPRC has bridged the gap between communities and oil corporations through transparency and accountability.
The group also commended the Commission’s introduction of the HostComply digital dashboard, which tracks community funds in real time, prevents diversion, and ensures every naira is tied to measurable outcomes.
“This level of openness has drastically reduced community tensions and built trust between oil operators and residents,” the group stated.
According to the NDCA, NUPRC’s policy mandating local labour and suppliers in project execution has created thousands of jobs, empowering youths across host communities.
The group urged oil companies to remain faithful to their obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), especially the three percent annual contribution to the Host Community Development Trust Fund, to sustain the progress achieved under Komolafe’s leadership.
The NDCA congratulated the Commission on its fourth anniversary, described NUPRC’s work as “a new chapter of fairness, inclusion, and shared prosperity in the Niger Delta.”
