Nigeria’s Oil Minister, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said Host Communities (HostCom) must sustain peace and a conducive environment across the Niger Delta to continue benefiting from the Host Community Trust Fund provided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The Minister stated this while giving his keynote message during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with Host Communities at the KEFFESO Stakeholders Forum in Yenagoa on Thursday.
He said as stakeholders, HostComs must prioritize stability and the security of oil installations to maximize the opportunities presented by the Trust Fund.
He noted that the Tinubu-led federal government remains committed to fostering the development of Host Communities.
While commending the Host Communities for their cooperation, he highlighted that sustaining peace in the region is key to increase in crude oil production which will in turn translate to long-term prosperity of the communities and the Niger Delta.
“The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to fostering the development of Host Communities. This commitment is evident in the implementation of the PIA, ensuring that communities directly benefit from the resources generated in their region.
“While commending the Host Communities for their cooperation, which has contributed significantly to the peace currently enjoyed in the region, hence the increase in production, I highlighted that sustaining this progress is vital to ensuring long-term prosperity because, a secured and stable environment will not only guarantee continuous access to development funds but will also attract further investments that can drive growth and improve livelihoods, he partly said.
