The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has disclosed that the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) has grown to ₦373 billion as of October 13, 2025, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The Commission explained that the fund, contributed by oil companies operating under the PIA, is being deployed to execute 536 community development projects across oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the NUPRC said the fund comprises ₦125 billion and $168.9 million, representing the three percent annual operating expenditure contributed by oil companies to the HCDT as mandated by law.
The Commission noted that the funds are domiciled in banks with a minimum BBB rating, while the NUPRC provides oversight through a monitoring platform known as HostComply, to ensure transparency and compliance in project delivery.
According to the Commission, several development projects are ongoing across host communities in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and other oil-producing states.
Examples of completed projects include a two-storey classroom block with 18 fully furnished classrooms, the remodelling of Ogbogu Cottage Hospital with a 20-bed capacity and diagnostic centre, and the upgrade of the Ogbogu Ultra-Modern Civic Centre.
Others include road pavements at Oboburu community, a bottled and sachet water factory in Amah community, and the installation of gas skid plants and school renovations in Erema and Akabuka communities, all in Rivers State.
The Commission added that in the last month, it facilitated the completion of more than ten projects and the flag-off of another ten under the Obagi HCDT, operated by TotalEnergies in Rivers State.
The NUPRC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that host communities derive direct and sustainable benefits from oil and gas operations in line with the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
