The Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has expressed commitment to it’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) obligations to the host communities.
Mr Jim Swartz, the Chairman and Managing Director of CNL, gave the assurance on Friday at the kick-off ceremony of the Egbema-OPUDIS Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) project in Warri.
Mr Swartz was represented at the event by Mr Olujide Abimbola, the Senior Government Affairs Representatives
of CNL.
The chairman said that the oil multinational would continue to support HCDT establishment, funding and governance in line with applicable law and regulation.
He said that the project highlighted the essence of the PIA and the value of collaboration among communities, regulators, government, partners and the CNL.
Swartz recalled that the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Egbema-OPUDIS HCDT was inaugurated on Oct. 26, 2023, in Warri.
He added that the inauguration marked a major step in the transition from the former Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) framework to the HCDT structure established under the PIA.
The chairman disclosed that since then, the Trust had moved from formation and onboarding to project implementation.
He also recalled that
in January 2024, the BoT, Management Committee and Advisory Committee were onboarded and sensitised on the PIA, Settlor-HCDT relationship, trust fund management, procurement, grievance resolution and Community Development Planning.
Swartz said that a Needs Assessment planning meeting was later held with stakeholders, where priorities like: skills acquisition, water transportation, healthcare, education and ICT support, solar power, scholarships, jetties, walkways, potable water, housing and other social infrastructure were identified.
“The projects being launched are therefore community-informed and aligned with the approved development process.
“CNL is encouraged by the progress since the BoT inauguration, including funding to date, completion of the Needs Assessment and Community Development Plan, and among others.
“The capacity-building support has also strengthened governance, reporting, transparency and delivery discipline.
“As Settlor, CNL remains committed to it’s PIA obligations, including support for HCDT establishment, funding and governance in line with applicable law and regulation,” he said.
Swartz said that CNL would continue to collaborate with the Egbema-OPUDIS HCDT and its communities to support transparent governance, inclusive communication, stakeholder alignment and projects that create visible value.
He, however, said that the success would depend on partnership, trust, prudent fund management, adherence to due process, peace and operational stability.
While congratulating the Egbema-OPUDIS HCDT, traditional institutions, community leaders, government and regulators, Swartz averred that the event marked renewed commitment to sustainable development and lasting value for the Egbema-OPUDIS communities.
Earlier, Mr E. Doyah- Tiemo, Chairman of the BoT Egbema-OPUDIS
HCDT, said that the board was formerly inaugurated in November 2023.
He added that the board had since laid the necessary foundation to ensure every project executed by the Trust was guided by transparency and long-term sustainability.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the communities that make up the Trust experienced meaningful development while providing safe and secured environment for the operations, personnel and assets of the Setlor,” he said.
Doyah-Tiemo said that the Trust had undertook a comprehensive Needs Assessment and visited all the host communities.
He also said that the outcome of the engagement enabled the Trust to prepared a comprehensive five years development plan that reflected the genuine needs and aspirations of their people.
The board chairman said that the Trust had invested in capacity building programmes for communities representatives and key stakeholders.
He stated that the aim was to equip them with the right knowledge and skills required for effective participation in the management and utilisation of the Trust Assets.
“Having successfully completed this critical stage, we are now fully prepared to embark on the execution of impactful projects across our communities,” Tiemo said.
In attendance were: Mr
Amos Okoro, Secretary, Egbema-OPUDIS HCDT,
Akinbola Praise , Commissions Advisor,
Mrs Oladunke Itegbe, HCDT Program Manager,
members of the Egbema Regency Council, women and youth leaders and among others.