The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it has developed a digital portal to monitor statutory contributions by the oil and gas operators, compliance reporting, project tracking; and real-time regulatory oversight as provided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in the host communities.

Speaking during its first Stakeholder Sensitisation and Engagement Forum on the Operationalisation of the Midstream Petroleum Host Community Development Trust in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Wednesday, the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Mr Rabiu Umar, said the initiative is part of the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and regulatory efficiency.

Represented by the Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) in NMDPRA, Dr. Mustapha Kamorde, the authority boss said the digital portal will also support the digital registration of trusts, submission of governance documentation and other oversights in the Host Community Development Trust.

He said: “As part of our commitment to transparency, accountability and regulatory efficiency, the Authority has developed a dedicated HCDT Digital Portal. The portal is designed to support digital registration of Trusts, submission of governance documentation, monitoring of statutory contributions, compliance reporting, project tracking and real-time regulatory oversight.

“This digital platform represents a major step in the Authority’s broader digital transformation agenda.

“It will help standardise implementation nationwide, reduce disputes arising from information gaps, improve monitoring capabilities, and strengthen confidence among communities and operators alike.

“Importantly, the portal will also improve transparency in the administration and utilisation of the Host Community Development Trust Funds.

“Today’s engagement represents another critical milestone in the implementation of one of the most transformative provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, the framework for sustainable host community development.

“The Petroleum Industry Act fundamentally redefined the relationship between petroleum operations and host communities. For decades, host communities have remained central to the sustainability of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

“The PIA therefore introduced the Host Community Development Trust framework to ensure that communities directly impacted by petroleum operations become structured beneficiaries of social and economic development.

“The objective is clear; to promote peaceful coexistence, create shared prosperity, deepen inclusion and participation, reduce conflict and operational disruptions and institutionalise sustainable development in host communities.

“To operators and licensees, the Authority expects full compliance with the provisions of the PIA and the Regulations. Compliance with the HCDT framework is not optional. It is a statutory obligation. The Authority will continue to exercise its supervisory and oversight responsibilities to ensure proper implementation of the Regulations.” He said.


The Director, Environment Management & Host Community in NMDPRA, Anne Omezi, said the gathering is to build bridges of understanding, foster collaboration, and establish a shared vision for community development.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on host communities. Dun Dekor, urged midstream operators to see Trust framework as investment in operational stability and long term sustainability in the host communities.