Representatives threaten sanctions over inadequate PIA implementation

Stakeholders Demand Stronger Monitoring

By Davies Iheamnachor, Port Harcourt

Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have called for tighter monitoring and accountability in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), especially concerning the operations of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).

The call was made during a one‑day town hall meeting in Port Harcourt titled “Maximizing the Benefits of Host Community Development Trusts in the Niger Delta.”

At the event, Mrs. Florence Ibok‑Abasi, Country Director of the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), noted that the HCDT framework has shown progress in some communities but requires greater transparency and sustained stakeholder engagement to reach its full potential.

She emphasized the need for effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure that funds allocated to host communities are used properly.

According to Ibok‑Abasi, while some projects under the scheme are commendable, accountability remains essential for long‑term impact.

She added that civil society organisations are focused on promoting accountability rather than undermining stakeholders, and that effective implementation is crucial as Nigeria gradually shifts away from oil‑dependent revenues.

Meanwhile, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation despite funding for about 140 trusts across the Niger Delta.

He said many communities have yet to feel the expected impact of the initiative, attributing delays to leadership disputes, internal disagreements and legal challenges in some host communities.

Dekor warned that the committee would intensify oversight from July 2026, insisting that trust administrators must account for how funds are managed and deployed.

He added that the National Assembly would employ all legislative measures necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the PIA.

The event also featured the presentation of an SDN study titled “Evaluation of the Implementation Status of Host Community Development Trusts in the Niger Delta,” which assessed achievements, gaps and governance challenges affecting the trusts.

SDN further unveiled an Independent HCDT Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Reporting and Learning Platform, a digital tool designed to track implementation and improve transparency in real time.

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