Energia, Oando JV Inaugurate Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust, Reinforce Commitment To Sustainable Development
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes, Lagos
Energia Limited and its Joint Venture partner, Oando Plc, have inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), marking a significant milestone in strengthening sustainable development, transparency, and community participation across their host communities in Delta State.
The inauguration, held in Asaba on Friday, July 3, 2026, also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Energia/Oando Joint Venture and the seven host communities, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The event brought together representatives of the Delta State Government, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders from the oil and gas industry.
Delta State Government Commends Initiative
Representing the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Christopher Osakwe, commended Energia Limited and the host communities for successfully establishing the Trust and signing the Memorandum of Understanding. He described the initiative as a demonstration of mutual commitment to partnership and sustainable development.
Osakwe urged the newly inaugurated Board to discharge its responsibilities with transparency, accountability, and fairness while encouraging host communities to continue protecting oil and gas infrastructure and embrace dialogue as the preferred approach to resolving disputes.
Energia’s Long-Standing Commitment to Host Communities
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Energia Limited, Mr. Oladimeji Bashorun, described the inauguration as “the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Energia and our host communities,” built on partnership, shared responsibility, and sustainable development rather than dependency.
He noted that while the Petroleum Industry Act provides a structured framework for host community development, Energia’s commitment to its host communities predates the legislation and has remained a core part of the company’s operating philosophy since it achieved First Oil in 2009.
“Communities that host our operations should also share meaningfully in the opportunities created by those operations. Our success has always been closely connected to the success of our host communities,” Bashorun said.
N15.94 Billion Invested in Community Development
Bashorun disclosed that Energia has invested over N15.94 billion in community development initiatives since inception, supporting:
Roads and drainage systems
Healthcare facilities
Educational programmes and scholarships
Youth empowerment initiatives
Solar-powered street lighting
Community welfare schemes
Other social investments across its operational communities
He added that the company dedicates 3% of its gross revenue annually to support sustainable development initiatives for its host communities, exceeding the statutory requirements prescribed under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Oando Reaffirms Partnership Commitment
Also speaking at the event, the Asset Manager of Oando, Mr. Seyi Fawora, reaffirmed the Joint Venture’s commitment to implementing the Host Community Development Trust, noting that the partnership remains focused on building stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with host communities.
NUPRC Hails Milestone in Community Participation
The representative of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Dennis Eyitemi, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening host community participation in development. He urged members of the Board of Trustees to remain accountable, transparent, and committed to promoting the long-term welfare of the communities they represent.
Legal Framework and Oversight
Providing an overview of the Host Community Development Trust framework, the Delta State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Irebe, SAN, commended Energia for contributing beyond the statutory requirement prescribed under the Petroleum Industry Act and encouraged members of the Board to place community interests above personal interests while ensuring prudent management of the Trust’s resources.
Board of Trustees Inaugurated
The ceremony concluded with the swearing-in of the members of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust Board of Trustees. In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Godwin Edeme, pledged the Board’s commitment to working with Energia Limited, Oando Petroleum Development Company, and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Trust for the benefit of present and future generations.
A New Chapter in Host Community Relations
The establishment of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust represents another milestone in Energia’s long-standing commitment to responsible operations, stakeholder engagement, and creating shared value for its host communities through sustainable, transparent, and inclusive development.
The Trust, established under the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is designed to ensure that host communities benefit directly and sustainably from oil and gas operations in their areas. The PIA mandates oil and gas companies to establish HCDTs and contribute a percentage of their operating expenditure to fund development projects in host communities, fostering a more equitable and collaborative relationship between operators and communities.
About Energia Limited
Energia Limited is a leading indigenous Nigerian exploration and production company with a proven track record of responsible hydrocarbon development and sustainable value creation. Since achieving First Oil in 2009, Energia has remained committed to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and meaningful partnerships with its host communities, delivering lasting social and economic impact alongside its business growth.
About Oando Plc
Oando Plc is one of Africa’s leading integrated energy solutions providers, with a proud heritage and a strategic focus on delivering value across the entire energy value chain. Through its upstream subsidiary, Oando Petroleum Development Company, the company has built a reputation for operational excellence, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainable development in its areas of operation.
About the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021
The Petroleum Industry Act, signed into law in August 2021, provides a comprehensive legal framework for the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The Act includes provisions for host community development, requiring oil and gas companies to establish Host Community Development Trusts to fund sustainable development projects in communities where they operate. The PIA aims to promote transparency, accountability, and meaningful community participation in the benefits of oil and gas operations.
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