NUPRC gets commendation from HOSTCOM over development, transparency in petroleum upstream sector

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, HOSTCOM, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe and his management team has been commended by the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) for its unwavering commitment to empowering host communities and fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued during the 2024 end-of-year review in Abuja, HOSTCOM’s National President, High Chief Dr. Benjamin Style Tamaranebi, praised NUPRC, led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, for its remarkable achievements in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Tamaranebi highlighted NUPRC’s key accomplishments, including the creation of 136 Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) and the launch of the HOSTCOMPLY digital platform to ensure transparency and accountability in managing host community funds.

He noted that the Commission has prioritized resolving longstanding issues, such as the completion of the Marginal Field Bid Round and the establishment of a Community Dispute Resolution Center in Bayelsa State. This center, the first of its kind, provides an accessible platform for resolving disputes between host communities and oil companies, eliminating the need to travel to Lagos for arbitration.

Tamaranebi lauded NUPRC’s efforts in boosting Nigeria’s oil production from 1.6 million barrels per day to 2 million barrels per day. He also acknowledged the Commission’s role in attracting foreign investments, citing the recent $5 billion Bonga North Deep offshore project as a testament to the government’s commitment to revitalizing the oil and gas sector.

The HOSTCOM President further applauded the formulation and implementation of the Host Communities Development Regulation No. 114 of 2022, which was unveiled under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He highlighted NUPRC’s sensitization programs conducted in 13 locations, which educated stakeholders on the PIA, and its development of 17 regulations, including 13 already gazetted—with host community regulations prioritized.

The Commission’s introduction of 3% operational expenditure (OPEX) funding for host communities and partnerships with IT firms to create the HOSTCOMPLY platform were recognized as groundbreaking steps toward accountability and fairness.

Looking ahead to 2025, HOSTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NUPRC and other stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the 3% OPEX fund for host communities.

HOSTCOM also pledged commitment to addressing oil theft and unrest in the Niger Delta as well as protect host community rights and promote inclusive development.

Tamaranebi urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum, emphasizing that NUPRC’s initiatives under Engr Komolafe’s leadership have set a solid foundation for growth and prosperity in oil-producing regions.

The statement concluded with appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and ministers for their support in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.