The Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria (SYFN) has announced plans to host a Public Enlightenment Campaign aimed at fostering awareness and engagement with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) among host communities in oil-producing areas.
The event, tagged “Let’s Embrace the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)”, will take place on 17th April, 2025, at Creek Garden Hotels, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, starting at 11AM prompt.
The Talk-Shop will bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from Aradel Holdings PLC, the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
The primary focus of the discussion will be on the impact of the PIA on host communities, strategies for effective implementation, and opportunities for sustainable development.
The Petroleum Industry Act, signed into law in 2021, was designed to improve governance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector while ensuring that host communities receive fair benefits from oil exploration activities. However, several communities remain uninformed about their rights and entitlements under the law.
Speaking on the initiative, Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe (JP, AP), the National President of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and the Convener of the event, emphasized the importance of educating host communities about the provisions of the PIA.
“This Talk-Shop is a platform to bridge the communication gap between oil companies, the government, and the host communities. Many community members do not fully understand the opportunities the PIA provides, and this event will equip them with the necessary knowledge to hold stakeholders accountable,” Amb. Ibe stated.
The event is expected to draw participation from community leaders, youth organizations, government officials, and oil industry stakeholders. Representatives from Aradel Holdings PLC, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil companies, will engage with community members to discuss their corporate social responsibilities under the PIA.
The Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources will also be present to provide insights into government policies supporting host communities and ensuring compliance with the PIA.
The Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria is calling on stakeholders to support the initiative, ensuring that communities in oil-producing areas are adequately informed and empowered. The event is open to all interested individuals and organizations seeking to contribute to the development of host communities.
For further inquiries, the organizers can be contacted via 09162788280.08116312241.