ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited has inaugurated the Board of Trustees of its Host Communities Development Trust, setting a new course for sustainable community development and stronger engagement with host and impacted communities.
The three-day inauguration and onboarding workshop, held at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together members of the newly inaugurated board, regulators, the company’s management team and other stakeholders.
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The programme focused on the mandate, governance structure and responsibilities of the Host Communities Development Trust under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The inauguration marks an important stage in ANOH Gas’s efforts to establish a more structured framework for delivering development initiatives to communities within its area of operation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Managing Director of ANOH Gas Processing Company, James Makinde, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the company’s relationship with its host communities.
Makinde, who was represented by the General Manager, Technical, Engr. Amaechi Nwogbe, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable community development.
He also acknowledged the cooperation and support of communities within ANOH Gas’s area of operations, stressing the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship between the company and its stakeholders.
Makinde charged the newly inaugurated board to justify the confidence placed in its members by operating with transparency, accountability, fairness and prudence in managing the resources of the Trust.
He urged the board to focus on projects that address genuine community needs and produce sustainable and measurable benefits.
Particular attention, he said, should be given to initiatives covering livelihoods, education, healthcare, skills development and economic empowerment.
Makinde also stressed the importance of ensuring that communities take ownership of completed projects and are involved in maintaining them so that the benefits can endure beyond the initial investment.
The Managing Director encouraged inclusive participation in the community development process, with particular consideration for young people, women and vulnerable groups.
He further called for continued dialogue among stakeholders and the peaceful resolution of disagreements whenever they arise.
According to Makinde, constructive engagement will be essential to strengthening confidence between ANOH Gas and its host communities.
He assured the board of the company’s support within the limits of its responsibilities and encouraged its members to function as an effective bridge between ANOH Gas and the communities.
During the sensitisation session, the Deputy Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Madam Ngozi Asogwa, provided participants with further insight into the statutory framework governing HCDTs under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Asogwa explained the respective responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, management and advisory committees, emphasising the importance of clear governance and accountability in the administration of community development resources.
The board was reminded that its responsibilities include providing effective oversight, identifying development priorities, preparing and implementing the community development plan, approving eligible projects and ensuring that Trust resources are properly deployed.
Participants were also briefed on the statutory funding arrangement for HCDTs, including the provision requiring a 3 per cent contribution of an operator’s annual operating expenditure.
The sensitisation also covered reporting, monitoring and compliance obligations intended to promote transparency and ensure that resources provided for host community development are used appropriately.
The regulator assured stakeholders that NMDPRA would continue to provide oversight and support to ensure that the statutory entitlements of host communities are protected.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of peace and stability within host communities.
Stakeholders were encouraged to maintain an environment conducive to sustained operations, recognising that uninterrupted operations are important to the availability of resources for community development.
For ANOH Gas, the inauguration of the HCDT Board represents more than a statutory requirement.
It provides an opportunity to deepen community participation and establish a development framework built around accountability, inclusion and long-term impact.
With the board now inaugurated and its members oriented on their statutory responsibilities, attention will turn to translating the framework into practical projects capable of improving livelihoods and strengthening social and economic opportunities within the company’s host communities.
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The initiative is expected to provide a more coordinated platform for addressing community priorities while reinforcing the partnership between ANOH Gas, regulators and the communities affected by its operations.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
