Niger Delta group commends Tinubu, NUPRC for ‘historic transformation’ in oil host communities

The Niger Delta Advancement Forum (NDAF) has commended President Bola Tinubu and Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for driving “the most transparent and impactful community development effort in the history of Nigeria’s oil industry.”

NDAF is a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ebiowei Timipre, president of the NDAF, said the successful execution of 536 community projects across oil-producing states through the host community development trust (HCDT) marked “a turning point in the long struggle for equity, justice, and inclusion in the Niger Delta”.

Timipre said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated “unprecedented political will” by empowering the NUPRC to fully implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which, he noted, had remained dormant under previous governments.

“For decades, host communities were left with unfulfilled promises and abandoned projects, but under President Tinubu, the story has changed,” he said.

“Through the visionary leadership of Engr. Komolafe at NUPRC, we are finally seeing the oil wealth of the Niger Delta being channelled into schools, hospitals, roads, and livelihoods for our people.”

‘TINUBU’S REFORMS HAVE GIVEN NEW LIFE TO THE PIA’

Timipre said the NUPRC, acting under Tinubu’s directive to prioritise local development, ensured that all projects were executed transparently and simultaneously across multiple states, creating a model of inclusive progress.

Citing data from the commission, he said as of October 13, 2025, the Host Community Development Trust Fund had reached N373 billion, contributed by oil companies operating under the PIA.

He described the figure as “a historic leap in fiscal accountability” and evidence that Tinubu’s reform-driven approach was yielding results.

“President Tinubu’s insistence on reform-driven governance has given the PIA a new life. And under Komolafe’s watch, the NUPRC has become a model of how regulation should work—firm, transparent, and community-centred,” Timipre said.

He added that the commission’s HostComply digital dashboard, which tracks all deposits and disbursements to host community funds, had eliminated the opacity that once plagued oil industry interventions.

Timipre highlighted the progress in Rivers state, where the NUPRC recently facilitated the delivery of more than 10 projects and commenced another 10 under the Obagi HCDT operated by TotalEnergies.

He said the projects, including hospitals, roads, and schools, had brought tangible benefits to rural communities.

Timipre described the achievements as “proof that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is producing measurable outcomes in the oil region,” adding that “the synergy between the presidency and NUPRC has given new meaning to resource justice.”

‘NIGER DELTA WILL REPAY TINUBU’S TRUST IN 2027’

He urged oil companies to remain committed to the three per cent operating expenditure contribution required under the PIA, assuring them that the current administration had restored confidence in the system.

“For once, the Niger Delta is seeing the dividends of oil. What past governments could not achieve in decades is now being delivered under President Tinubu’s watch,” he said.

“We’re grateful to the President, and the Niger Delta shall return the favour in 2027.”