To successfully implement key objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), awareness and peacebuilding strategies seem to be uppermost in the minds of oil and gas operators in the oil region.
To this end, Green Energy International is leading its partners to begin peace projects and awareness campaigns in their four host communities in Andoni, Rivers State.
Green Energy International /Lekoil & Gas Investment Joint Venture (GEIL/LEKOIL JV), says it has thus successfully concluded a PIA ‘Awareness and Peacebuilding Campaign’ across its four host communities in Rivers State.
Focus is said to be at the Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, Asukoyet Host Community Development Trust (UAAA HCDT), and the peace project is being executed in collaboration with Green Energy team with their JV partners.
The week-long campaign was said to be designed to deepen community understanding of the PIA enacted in 2021, promote inclusive engagement through the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework, and encourage community stakeholders to embrace peace, dialogue, and shared responsibility in pursuit of sustainable development.
Funded through the statutory 3% Operational Expenditure (OPEX) contribution by GEIL/LEKOIL JV as mandated by the PIA, the initiative is said to reflect the Settlor’s continued commitment to peacebuilding, inclusiveness, and long-term development in its Host Communities.
According to sources from GEIL/LEKOIL JV, the campaign aligns with directives of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and serves as a strategic follow-up to reinforcing the recent achievements in governance and infrastructure gains. It is also said to be part of efforts to reinforce trust and foster social cohesion.
“Through interactive sessions and community dialogue, the campaign sought to deepen mutual understanding, encourage peaceful coexistence, and ensure that all segments of the host communities are included in the development process,” the source added.
To ensure inclusivity and clarity, messages were said to be delivered in the communities’ native dialects and Pidgin English, enhancing participation and understanding across all groups.
Participants at the events were said to include traditional rulers, youth leaders, women’s groups, children, and persons living with disabilities (PWDs), among others.
Speaking at Asukama on the opening day, Asuk Nathan Sampson, Chairman of the UAAA HCDT, explained the rationale behind the campaign, saying the purpose was to enlighten community members about the provisions of the PIA, particularly Chapter three, which he said defines the relationship between Settlors and host communities. “By law, 3% of Settlors’ OPEX is allocated to host communities for development.
In return, host communities are expected to provide an enabling environment for the Settlors to operate unhindered. This reciprocal understanding is vital to our progress.”
He commended GEIL/LEKOIL JV for fulfilling their obligations and acknowledged that previous issues were resolved internally without disrupting operations.
Walter N. Ukot, Chairman of the Asukama Council of Chiefs, praised the initiative: “This campaign has corrected misconceptions and emphasized the importance of living in peace with one another. From the Port Harcourt training till now, my mindset has changed positively. Peace is essential.”
He commended both the JV and the HCDT for their commitments and pledged to continue supporting peacebuilding in the community.
Also speaking, Brown David Asuk VI, who is king of Okaan-Ama of Asukoyet, expressed appreciation: “We are grateful to the HCDT and GEIL/LEKOIL JV for bringing this campaign to our doorsteps. If we embrace peace, there would be no strife, and what is rightfully ours would reach us. Once communities get their fair share, peace and goodwill will follow.”
Douglas Adeola and Fred Nwogu, consultants from the New Nigeria Foundation (NNF), used short videos, interactive discussions, and visual presentations to reinforce the message that peace and unity were indispensable to achieving sustainable development in the four host communities.
Their approach was said to have further strengthened engagement and helped participants internalize the principles of collaboration and conflict prevention.
The Andoni axis of Rivers State has been forward in benefits from the PIA offerings and host community development trust benefits.
