In a significant move to bolster community relations and ensure regulatory compliance, indigenous oil firm Petralon 54 has officially inaugurated the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) for the Dawes-Island field communities in Rivers state.
The two-day inauguration ceremony for the board of trustees of the Ogoloma and Koniama communities was held between October 22 and 23, 2025.
The event was attended by top government officials, industry regulators, and traditional leaders from the Okrika LGA.
In a statement released on Sunday, Petralon 54, a subsidiary of Petralon Energy and operator of the Dawes-Island Field, disclosed that the occasion marks a key step in fulfilling its obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
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The HCDTs are designed to channel social and economic benefits directly to the oil-bearing communities, ensuring development is “visible, measurable, and sustainable”.
In his welcome address, Ahonsi Unuigbe, founder and CEO of Petralon Energy, emphasised that the action went beyond mere legal compliance.
“Instituting the HCDT is not just compliance with Section Three of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021), but an expression of our company’s ingrained culture of identifying, addressing and aligning with the needs and aspirations of our stakeholders, especially the communities hosting our operations,” he said.
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“I am excited that we are making history today by coming together to create a beautiful future for the next generation and charting a path for sustainable partnership, empowerment and inclusive growth with the inauguration of Development Trust for our host communities”.
Echoing the sentiment, Uduakobong Equere, executive director of Petralon 54, described the inauguration as a “new phase” that places “community development, transparency, and inclusiveness at the heart of extractive industry operations”.
The ceremony was graced by dignitaries, including Ndukwe Patrick, permanent secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, and representatives from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Community leaders hailed the initiative as a milestone. Chris Biriowu, chairman of the Okochiri HCDT board, commended Petralon 54 for their “forthrightness and commitment,” assuring the company of the community’s full cooperation.
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Similarly, Miebaka Tamunopekerebia, chairman of the Ogoloma HCDT board, praised Petralon 54 as a “people-centric and responsible organisation”.
He stated that the HCDT “redefines the relationship between host communities and exploration companies,” creating a sustainable path for mutual growth and shared prosperity.
The establishment of the host community development trusts is mandated by Section Three of the PIA 2021, aiming to foster sustainable prosperity and encourage peaceful co-existence, thereby helping to ensure uninterrupted petroleum operations.
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