NEWS
NUPRC Identifies over 1,100 HCDT Projects in Niger Delta
The Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) framework established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is yielding fruits having given birth to over 1,100 projects being executed across the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) made the disclosure on Thursday, through its Assistant Director, Host Community Development Affairs, Kingsley Ehiaguina.
He spoke during the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the PML 66 HCDT by Ingentia Energies Limited in Port Harcourt.
The trust comprises three communities in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State — Egbolom, Omelema and Ahoada I.
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The PIA, which came into effect in 2021, provides the legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for Nigeria’s petroleum industry and provides for the establishment of the HCDT to ensure oil-producing communities benefit directly from petroleum operations by identifying and implementing projects that address their development needs.
Speaking at the event, Ehiaguina said the inauguration marked another milestone in the implementation and operationalisation of the HCDT framework.
“We are so delighted to be here today at this inauguration of the PML 66 HCDT. It is a testament to the implementation and the operationalisation of the Host Community Development Trust.
“It is a transformational initiative that has the tendency and the potential to turn our host community into a wonder, and the gains have already been recorded since the implementation of the HCDT.
“Since the implementation of the HCDT, 163 HCDTs have been incorporated, and I can tell you that billions of naira have been remitted into the various accounts, and over 1,100 projects are ongoing across the Niger Delta.
“We have commissioned over 200 projects. I can tell you that the PIA and the HCDT framework are working.
“So today is another testament to what we can achieve when we collaborate, when we are united between the settlor (company) and our host community,” Ehiaguina stated.
He commended Ingentia Energies Limited for its commitment to implementing both the letter and spirit of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Addressing the trustees, he said, “From the NUPRC, we’ll ensure that everything that you own as your right is given to you by ensuring that the company pays its three per cent statutory contribution and ensuring that the sustainable development you seek for your community is achieved.”
Ehiaguina urged the Board of Trustees to remain transparent and work in the best interests of the host communities.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ingentia Energies Limited, Charles Odita, said the trust was established after extensive consultations with stakeholders and the host communities.
Odita said that, in line with the PIA, the company would provide funding for projects selected by its host communities and expressed satisfaction that the board had finally been inaugurated after delays involving various stakeholders.
“We know that with the cooperation of the three communities we are indeed here today.
“I believe that with the inauguration of this Trust there will even be a jump start to the impact of our operation on the community because, as we are all aware, under the PIA, the government in its wisdom has mandated that we set aside three per cent of our operating expenditure for the previous year to be given to the Host Community Development Trust.
“It is then the Trust that determines what happens. So with this, we believe we are going to be making our own contribution, and then the Trust, which is made up of members of the community, will indeed decide how and what they want to do.
“So this, for me, is going to be a major game changer for the accelerated development of the community,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Patrick Ndukwe, described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the energy sector and the host communities of PML 66.
He said the event fulfilled one of the obligations of the settlor under the Petroleum Industry Act and assured that the state government would continue to provide a peaceful and conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
Ndukwe urged the trustees to select projects that align with the Rivers State Government’s development priorities.
“As you choose your projects you must ensure that they align with the Rivers State Government development plan under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State,” he stated.
He listed infrastructure development, sustainable urban and rural communities, road construction, transportation, quality education, healthcare and agriculture among the state’s development priorities.
Earlier, a consultant to Ingentia Energies Limited, Godwin Minimah, described the inauguration of the PML 66 Board of Trustees as a significant step towards strengthening relations between the company and its host communities.
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has reportedly died, according to sources said to be close to his family.
The sources confirmed the development on Monday, October 19, 2026, although details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
“Uduaghan is no more; he is dead,” one of the sources reportedly said.
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The reported death comes months after claims that the former governor had died circulated on social media before being dismissed by his media aide, Henry Unini.
In June, reports of Uduaghan’s alleged death spread across Facebook and WhatsApp, prompting Unini to publicly debunk the claims and assure the public that the former governor was alive.
“I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” Unini said at the time.
“Frankly, I don’t know where the writer got his information from. The death of someone is not something you take and write about casually,” he added.
Unini acknowledged at the time that Uduaghan had been experiencing health challenges but maintained that he was receiving medical attention.
“It is now common knowledge that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has been sick, but he is receiving proper medical care,” the media aide said.
He also stated that the former governor was recuperating, assuring the public that there was no immediate cause for concern.
“There is no cause for alarm whatsoever,” Unini said.
The media aide thanked friends, well-wishers and residents of Delta State who contacted the family to verify the former governor’s condition. He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
“The rumour was uncalled for,” he said while addressing the earlier reports.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding Uduaghan’s reported death had yet to emerge.
The Delta State Government has commenced a ₦5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.
The initiative, announced on Monday, will see each beneficiary receive ₦50,000 to support small businesses, strengthen household finances and stimulate economic activities across the state.
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The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba.
Ifeajika explained that the programme was designed to complement the state government’s investments in critical infrastructure with direct financial assistance to residents.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed local government councillors to facilitate the distribution of the funds, with each of the 500 wards expected to reach at least 200 beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for Deltans, in line with the people-centred objectives of the MORE Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares of Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among young Nigerians.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, October 19, 2026, the initiative is expected to benefit up to four million students aged 18 and above, with each eligible student expected to receive 10 IPO shares without requiring prior investment or share purchase.
The minister said the programme would expose students to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by connecting education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
According to Alausa, the initiative reflects the importance of partnerships between the education sector and private organisations in equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education remained committed to strengthening private-sector partnerships to improve educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency while preparing learners for a changing economy.
While appreciating the foundation’s contribution to youth development, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value.
He stressed that the ministry’s position “does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.”
Alausa also encouraged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that promote financial awareness, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
He urged businesses to support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda in building a financially informed and economically productive generation.
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