The Bridges Project: CEPEJ, PIND, Ford Foundation Inaugurates Host Community Development Trust, State MSP for PIA implementation in Delta

The Bridges Project In a proactive move aimed at fostering sustainable development in oil and gas host communities, the Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the Ford Foundation, in collaboration with Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), officially inaugurated Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) on Saturday under the Multi Stakeholders Platform MSP for a broader implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The inaugurated Committee is expected to resolve all issues of conflict around the implementation of the PIA. The inauguration of the Steering Committee members took place in Warri, Delta State at the end of a two-day stakeholders consultative meeting on local support for the PIA Implementation otherwise known as 'The Bridges Project.

Those inaugurated into the Steering Committee included Sylvester Okoh as the Chairman, Bridget Abulu as the Secretary as well as other members comprising Saturday Peter Pabor-Ebi Clement, Benikrukru Ibamugha, John Eweh, Charles Anamah, Col. Ideh Moris, Mrs Bayai Esther Ekomieyefa, Engr Johnson Maleghemi, Chief Sheriff Mulade, Sylvester Okoh, Collins Newuwumi, Ogwezzy Melody Diobodu, Beauty Urokor Elo, Hon. Justice Joshua Edun Rtd and Dr. Eyaide Michael, among others.

In attendance at the inauguration ceremony were representatives from major industry players including representatives of Chevron Nigeria Limited; NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited; Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited; Seplat Energy; as well as members of the Civil Society of Nigeria (CSOs).

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the national coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade enjoined the Steering Committee members to deepen their knowledge on PIA and protect their community's interest.

He also urged the respective host communities to set up their Development Trust following the guidelines provided by the regulatory bodies.