The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the host community development trust (HCDT) has increased to N373 billion as of October 13.
In a statement on Monday by Eniola Akinkuotu, the NUPRC’s spokesperson, the commission said the fund comprised N125 billion and $168.9 million.
The HCDT is a framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, with the goal of ensuring that oil and gas host communities directly benefit from petroleum operations carried out in their areas.
According to the NUPRC spokesperson, about 536 community projects are being executed simultaneously.
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Akinkuotu said while the NUPRC does not have direct access to the funds, it tracks them through a dashboard known as “hostcomply” and oversees implementation as required by existing laws.
In line with the PIA, he noted that the NUPRC in September facilitated the completion of over 10 “impactful” projects and the commencement of more than 10 others under the Obagi HCDT in Rivers state, operated by TotalEnergies.
Akinkuotu said the projects were officially handed over to the communities hosting oil mining lease (OML) 58 during a commissioning ceremony held from September 24 to September 25, 2025, in Ogbogu community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA of Rivers state.
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The NUPRC official said the milestone represents a significant step in implementing the HCDT provisions under section 235 of the PIA 2021 and demonstrates the agency’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate.
“The projects delivered include the demolition and construction of two-storey classroom blocks with 18 fully furnished standard classrooms, each measuring 56 square metres in line with UBEC standards at Ogbogu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA,” Akinkuotu said.
“Remodelled Ogbogu Cottage Hospital with a 20-bed capacity and a newly built diagnostic centre, along with the revitalisation and infrastructure upgrade of the 1,200-capacity Ogbogu Ultra Modern Civic Centre in Ogbogu community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA.
“Others include the full construction of a 260-metre asphalt pavement at Obe Road, Oboburu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA, and a 320-metre reinforced concrete pavement at SDA Road, Oboburu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA.
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“The HCDT also completed the construction of Amah Bottling Water Factory, Amah Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA, with a production capacity of 1,500 bottles per hour and a sachet water machine with a capacity of 2,000 per hour.
“Construction of administrative and security buildings, and procurement of a Gas Skid Plant in Erema Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA, among others.”
Speaking during the handover, Gbenga Komolafe, the NUPRC’s chief executive officer (CEO), said the projects would help tackle issues related to basic education, healthcare, employment, and others.
Komolafe, represented by John Tonglagha, NUPRC’s executive commissioner for health, safety, environment, and community, urged host communities to take ownership of the infrastructure and work with upstream operators to promote national prosperity.
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On his part, Matthieu Bouyer, managing director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, expressed confidence in the country being the “first” to fulfil the HCDT mandate.
He described the project as a demonstration of how trust and policy can align effectively.
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