Port Harcourt, Nigeria – PIND Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development in the Niger Delta, recently hosted a pivotal Dialogue and Experience Sharing Forum under its Bridges Project. This event was strategically designed to advance the implementation of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, focusing specifically on the integration and empowerment of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).
The forum brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including HCDT representatives, civil society organizations (CSOs), government officials, and key figures from the oil and gas industry. The event provided a dynamic platform for reviewing the progress of the Bridges Project, which has been instrumental in operationalizing HCDTs through targeted capacity-building workshops, awareness sessions, and the establishment of a Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP).
In his opening remarks, PIND’s Executive Director, Tunji Idowu, expressed profound gratitude to the donors and the MSP for their unwavering support since the project’s inception. He emphasized the critical role of HCDTs in ensuring the smooth implementation of the PIA, urging all stakeholders to remain committed to their communities’ development. “PIND will continue to provide the necessary support, guidance, and capacity-building programs to ensure that the Niger Delta reaps the full benefits of the PIA,” Idowu stated.
Keynote addresses from notable personalities, including Rt. Hon. Dumnamene R. Dekor, Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, and Emmanuel Kuyole from Ford Foundation, underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in adhering to PIA regulations and actively contributing to sustainable development in the region.
The forum highlighted the Bridges Project’s successes over the past year, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of NGOs and CSOs to support HCDTs. The inclusion of women, youth, and people with disabilities in these initiatives was a notable achievement, fostering inclusive governance and community engagement.
Findings from the forum have been crucial in shaping the future trajectory of the Bridges Project. Moving forward, PIND aims to integrate the forum’s recommendations into HCDTs’ strategies, thereby enhancing their contribution to the Niger Delta’s sustainable development and economic growth.
The Dialogue and Experience Sharing Forum marks a significant milestone in PIND’s ongoing efforts to promote community-driven development in the Niger Delta. By facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange, PIND is ensuring that the voices of Niger Delta communities are central to the PIA implementation process, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous region.
