INGENTIA Energies launches PML 66 community trust board, promises openness

The Managing Director of INGENTIA Energies Limited, Charles Odita, said the PML 66 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) Board will speed up development in the communities where the company operates.

Mr Odita spoke on Thursday in Port Harcourt during the board's inauguration. He called the event a result of thorough discussions and teamwork among stakeholders and the communities.

He mentioned that the trust would greatly help community development. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) requires oil and gas companies to contribute three percent of their last year's operating costs to the HCDT.

Mr Odita explained that community representatives would manage the funds to carry out key projects that meet their specific needs. He thanked the stakeholders and the three host communities for their support. He is confident that this trust will strengthen ties between the company and the communities while encouraging sustainable development.

Kingsley Ehiaguina, the Assistant Director of Host Community Development and Affairs at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also spoke at the event. He said that 163 host community development trusts have been set up under the PIA, with billions of naira set aside for community projects.

Mr Ehiaguina reported that over 1,100 projects are in progress across the Niger Delta, with more than 200 already completed under the HCDT framework. He praised INGENTIA Energies for following the PIA guidelines. He urged the new board to focus on openness, accountability, and good governance, and to quickly set up the trust's management and advisory committees.

Earlier, Godwin Minima, the Lead Consultant to INGENTIA Energy on the PML 66 HCDT, said this inauguration marked the full start of the governance structure needed under the PIA.

Mr Minima explained that in-depth discussions and needs assessments with women, youths, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders led to a five-year community development plan. This plan will guide how the three percent operating expenditure will be used. He is hopeful that project work will begin in the next two to three months, adding that the trust account has been opened and funded already.

In his speech, the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sunday Jonathan, promised to lead with transparency and dedication. He assured the communities that the resources would only be used for projects that enhance their welfare.

Mr Jonathan called his election a "sacred trust". He asked the operating company to keep supporting the communities beyond what the PIA requires to promote sustainable development and peace.

Emmanuel Toby, the Community Relations Manager of INGENTIA Energy, confirmed the company's commitment to sustainable development and stronger partnerships with its host communities. Mr Toby credited the successful formation of the trust to months of collaboration between INGENTIA Energy, the NUPRC, traditional leaders, and the communities. He urged the board to fulfill its duties with honesty, openness, and accountability.

The Board of Trustees includes the chairman, Mr Jonathan, and members Peace Goodluck, Kenoye Willie, Otaraku Jonathan, Ipeghan Charles, Edum Gardner, and Ogbolauma Ilodeipe, who will act as the board secretary.

The event also honored INGENTIA Energies, the NUPRC, and Godifem Consult Ltd with awards for their contributions to Nigeria's oil and gas industry.