Experts Urge Amendments to PIA to Safeguard Niger Delta Hosts Communities

Experts Urge Amendments to PIA to Safeguard Niger Delta Host Communities

 

 

Experts in energy and environmental law have raised concerns over certain provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), describing some sections as potentially marginalizing host communities in the Niger Delta region.

 

The warning came at the opening of a two-day sensitization workshop on host community development under the PIA, organized across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State by the Centre for Advanced Law Research, Rivers State University, in collaboration with F1 Team Associates.

 

The workshop, aimed at educating host communities on their rights under the PIA, attracted local government officials, lawyers, civil society groups, and representatives of host communities.

 

Speaking at the event, Professor Samuel Dike, an authority in energy and comparative environmental law, emphasized the need for strong political will to implement host community provisions of the PIA effectively. He called for better collaboration between government, host communities, and International Oil Companies (IOCs) to foster cooperation and mutual goodwill.

 

Professor Dike also recommended amendments to Section 257(2) of the PIA to allow host communities to participate actively in the protection of petroleum facilities and the smooth operation of petroleum activities. He further suggested that host communities should have a greater role in establishing and managing Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), rather than leaving board appointments solely to settlors.

 

Similarly, Professor Kato Kingston, an expert in energy and natural resources law, stressed that host communities have the right to seek redress through mechanisms provided under Chapter 3 of the PIA whenever their rights are violated by oil companies operating in their areas.

 

Jude Ndubuisi, a legal practitioner and oil and gas policy expert, noted that the sensitization program was designed to inform communities on how to leverage the PIA provisions to protect their rights and access benefits, including the 3% host community development fund.

 

Prof. Chukwucheta Emejuru, Acting Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research, Rivers State University, said the PIA would require continuous review, pointing out that the current 3% allocation could be improved as stakeholders push for stronger terms.

 

Participants commended the initiative, describing it as an eye-opener on the role of host communities in managing petroleum resources. Mr. Kepoye Mark, Executive Director of the Abua Odual Kepoye Foundation, said the workshop deepened his understanding of the PIA and its implications for communities.

 

George Onegiyeofori, Local Government Chairman of Asari Toru, added that the program provided crucial guidance on engaging Host Community Development Committees to ensure proper utilization of the 3% fund.

 

The workshop concluded with a consensus that stronger collaboration among host communities, local governments, and regulators is vital to ensure that the PIA achieves its developmental objectives for the Niger Delta.