…Reinforces Commitment to Sustainable Community Development
Energia Limited and its Joint Venture partner, Oando Plc, have inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), marking a significant milestone in strengthening sustainable development, transparency and community participation across their host communities in Delta State.
The inauguration, held in Asaba on Friday, 3 July 2026, also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Energia/Oando Joint Venture and the seven host communities, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
The event brought together representatives of the Delta State Government, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), traditional rulers, community leaders, members of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders from the oil and gas industry.
Representing the Governor of Deputy Governor, Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Christopher Osaskwe commended Energia Limited and the host communities for successfully establishing the Trust and signing the Memorandum of Understanding. He described the initiative as a demonstration of mutual commitment to partnership and sustainable development, while urging the newly inaugurated Board to discharge its responsibilities with transparency, accountability and fairness. He also encouraged host communities to continue protecting oil and gas infrastructure and embrace dialogue as the preferred approach to resolving disputes.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Energia Limited, Mr. Oladimeji Bashorun, described the inauguration as “the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Energia and our host communities,” built on partnership, shared responsibility and sustainable development rather than dependency.
He noted that while the Petroleum Industry Act provides a structured framework for host community development, Energia’s commitment to its host communities predates the legislation and has remained a core part of the Company’s operating philosophy since it achieved First Oil in 2009.
“Communities that host our operations should also share meaningfully in the opportunities created by those operations. Our success has always been closely connected to the success of our host communities,” Bashorun said.
He also disclosed that Energia has invested over N15.94 billion in community development initiatives since inception, supporting roads, drainage systems, healthcare facilities, educational programmes, scholarships, youth empowerment, solar-powered street lighting, community welfare initiatives and other social investments across its operational communities. He added that the Company dedicates 3% of its gross revenue annually to support sustainable development initiatives for its host communities.
Also speaking at the event, the Asset Manager of Oando, Mr. Seyi Fawora, reaffirmed the Joint Venture’s commitment to implementing the Host Community Development Trust, noting that the partnership remains focused on building stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with host communities.
The representative of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Dennis Eyitemi, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening host community participation in development. He urged members of the Board of Trustees to remain accountable, transparent and committed to promoting the long-term welfare of the communities they represent.
Providing an overview of the Host Community Development Trust framework, the Delta State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Irebe, SAN, commended Energia for contributing beyond the statutory requirement prescribed under the Petroleum Industry Act and encouraged members of the Board to place community interests above personal interests while ensuring prudent management of the Trust’s resources.
The ceremony concluded with the swearing-in of the members of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust Board of Trustees. In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Godwin Edeme, pledged the Board’s commitment to working with Energia Limited, Oando Petroleum Development Company and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Trust for the benefit of present and future generations.
The establishment of the Ndokwa West-1 Host Community Development Trust represents another milestone in Energia’s long-standing commitment to responsible operations, stakeholder engagement and creating shared value for its host communities through sustainable, transparent and inclusive development.
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