As part of efforts to improve living standards in oil-producing areas, the Federal Government has commenced the execution of 536 community projects across the Niger Delta region.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said the projects are being implemented simultaneously under the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The Commission showcased before-and-after photographs of a renovated school in Obagi, an oil-producing community in Rivers State, as one of the completed projects.
“The school is just one out of the 536 community projects being handled simultaneously through the Host Community Development Trust,” the statement read.
Delivered projects so far include:
- A two-storey classroom block with 18 fully furnished classrooms in Obagi.
- Remodelling of Ogbogu Cottage Hospital, now upgraded to a 20-bed facility with a modern diagnostic centre.
- Rehabilitation of Ogbogu Ultra-Modern Civic Centre.
- Road pavement works in Oboburu community.
- A bottled and sachet water factory in Amah community.
- Installation of gas skid plants and school renovations in Erema and Akabuka communities.
According to the NUPRC, the Host Community Development Trust Fund has now grown to ₦373 billion as of October 13, 2025, in line with Section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act. The fund includes ₦125 billion and $168.9 million, contributed by oil companies operating under the PIA.
The HCDT framework mandates oil firms to contribute three per cent of their operating expenditure from the previous financial year into the fund, which must be held in banks with at least a BBB credit rating.
The statement, signed by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Strategic Communications at the NUPRC, clarified that the Commission does not have direct access to the funds but monitors their disbursement and implementation through a digital platform known as HostComply.
The NUPRC added that it recently facilitated the completion of over 10 projects and the flag-off of another 10 under the Obagi HCDT in Rivers State, operated by TotalEnergies.
The Commission reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of ensuring that host communities directly benefit from oil and gas operations through sustainable infrastructure, employment opportunities, and social investment.
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