ONC & SYF State Position At 2nd Edition Of PIA Public Enlightenment Campaign For OML 54 Host Communities

The Orashi National Congress (ONC) and the Southern Youths Foundation of Nigeria (SYF) have presented their position at the 2nd Edition of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Public Enlightenment Campaign focused on OML 54 host communities.

 

The campaign, themed “Let’s Embrace The PIA – Understanding Host Community Rights, Benefits & Opportunities under the Petroleum Industry Act” was held on October 31, 2026, at Hotel De Excellence, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

The position paper was presented by Amb. Comr. Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, National President of SYF and President General of ONC.

 

In his address, Ibe expressed profound appreciation to all OML 54 host communities, including traditional rulers, CDC Chairmen, youth presidents, women leaders, Aradel Holdings Plc, operator of OML 54, security agencies, representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), civil society, the media and participants who made the event a success.

He noted that the massive turnout showed that the people are eager to understand and embrace the PIA.

 

He explained that OML 54 is located in the heart of the Orashi region, covering Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Abua/Odual, Ahoada East and Ahoada West LGAs.

According to him, for decades, the people have hosted oil exploration with little commensurate development, adding that the PIA 2021 was enacted to correct historical injustices through the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework.

He commended Aradel Holdings Plc for showing willingness to engage host communities.

 

Ibe listed key observations from the campaign, including a huge knowledge gap among OML 54 host communities on the PIA, especially on the 3% Annual Operating Expenditure (OPEX), composition of Board of Trustees, Management and Advisory Committees.

He also observed that some communities are still excluded or not properly delineated as host communities in OML 54, causing tension, while implementation of the HCDT has been slow.

He further noted that fear of elite capture, lack of transparency and poor inclusion of women and youths threaten the success of the HCDT, adding that peace in OML 54 operations is directly tied to justice, transparency and community participation.

 

Presenting the joint position of both groups, Ibe said:

1. *We Embrace The PIA:* The groups affirmed total acceptance of the PIA as a game-changer and called on all OML 54 host communities to embrace dialogue over agitation.

2. *On Host Community Delineation:* They demanded that Aradel Holdings Plc and NUPRC ensure that all genuine host communities of OML 54 are recognized without exclusion, in line with the PIA provision that host communities are communities where petroleum operations take place or are impacted.

3. *On 3% OPEX & HCDT Funding:* They demanded transparency and timely release of the 3% Annual OPEX to the HCDT, insisting that the fund must not be delayed or diverted.

4. *On Inclusion & Governance:* They demanded that the HCDT Board of Trustees and Management Committee must include credible, community-nominated persons, not political appointees, with 40% youth, 30% women and representation of Persons with Disabilities.

5. *On Peace and Security:* The groups declared that OML 54 host communities are peaceful and willing to support Aradel operations, condemning pipeline vandalism, oil theft and illegal bunkering.

6. *On Environmental Justice:* They called on Aradel to implement best environmental practices, address legacy pollution and include environmental remediation and gas flare-out plans in the HCDT.

7. *On Youth Empowerment:* They proposed that 60% of HCDT projects be centered on human capital development, including scholarships, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and employment.

 

The groups called on Aradel Holdings Plc to be a model operator in the Niger Delta by operating an open-door policy, publishing its HCDT contributions, employing youths and awarding contracts to community contractors.

They urged NUPRC to enforce PIA compliance strictly, ensure regular sensitization and mediate disputes fairly, while calling on OML 54 host communities to remain peaceful, united and informed.

They also called on the Federal and Rivers State Governments to support the enlightenment campaign and ensure Orashi benefits from the PIA beyond HCDT.

Ibe concluded that an informed host community is an empowered and peaceful host community, reiterating the commitment of ONC and SYF to continue to enlighten, advocate and mediate between host communities and operators to ensure that the PIA delivers its promised benefits to the Orashi people.