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NUPRC Identifies over 1,100 HCDT Projects in Niger Delta

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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.

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FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct

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Governors Contributing To Political Violence

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.

The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.

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The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.

During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.

He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.

The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.

He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.

Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.

The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

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2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

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Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

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Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award

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Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.

She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.

Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”

In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”

Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.

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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.

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