The Bridges Project is a collaborative intervention by The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the Ford Foundation to effectively implement Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act 2021(PIA).
The main goal of this project is to support and complement the regulatory proposals of the PIA while ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, particularly the communities affected by the petroleum industry. By fostering inclusivity and equity, the Bridges Project aims to ensure a successful implementation of the PIA. The project activities include; Operationalizing the HCDTs through Capacity Building Workshops for NGOs and CSOs, Awareness Creation for Key Stakeholders, and setting up and coordinating a Multiple stakeholder platform (MSP) to help craft an effective and efficient community development model.
This project is domiciled in five Niger Delta states, including; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, and Rivers State.
The three key processes of this Project are;
– Capacity Building of NGOs, during which PIND trained thirty (30) NGOs within the CNL and other settlor’s operational areas in the past months.
– An Awareness Creation session has also just been held in Bayelsa state, and planning to implement other sessions in Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo states for 100 participants in each state.
– The third major component of this project would be the establishment of a Multi-stakeholders Platform that the HCDTs would drive alongside other critical stakeholders of the PIA to allow for discussions and the implementations of Community Development plans for sustainable development within the affected Niger Delta states.
Capacity Building Workshops
The capacity-building workshop component of this project was held between March and April 2023 and involved 52 participants from 25 NGOs and CSOs across the five states. The purpose of these workshops is to build the capacity of NGOs in the region to effectively support the HCDTs and community stakeholders in conducting needs assessments and developing comprehensive development plans, as is required under the provisions of the PIA.
Awareness Creation of the Bridges Project
The Awareness Creation Workshops of the Bridges Project commenced on 13th June 2023, with the first session in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The primary objective of these workshops is to educate and sensitize key community stakeholders about their roles, responsibilities, and expectations under the PIA. The Awareness Creation workshops will take place in six sessions across five states in the Niger Delta region. Each session will involve the participation of 100 from the established Host Community Development Trusts, key community stakeholders, and representatives of settlers.
Pictures from the Capacity Building Workshop held in Warri, Delta State
Pictures from the Capacity Building Workshop held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Establishment of a Multi-stakeholder Platform
The third component of the Bridges Project is the establishment of a Multi-stakeholder Platform, which will ensure the harvesting of ideas on a wide-ranging approach to implementing the PIA. The multi-stakeholder platform shall comprise 30 experts and stakeholders representing communities, settlers, civil society, and government. The aim is to maximize the benefits of the PIA for communities by coordinating efforts, utilizing funds effectively, and providing guidance. The platform shall foster collaboration, support HCDT operationalization, and facilitate the execution of PIA processes for successful community development.
The project strives to foster inclusivity and equity amongst stakeholders in the oil and gas sector by ensuring the decision-making process is all-inclusive and empowering key community stakeholders with awareness and knowledge of the Act.
