The House of Representatives has committed to preventing international oil companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta from divesting their offshore assets without being held accountable for environmental impacts. Mr. Dumnamene Dekor, Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, made this pledge during a technical session on the implementation of Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDT).
Expressing concern over the lack of positive changes in host communities since the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, Dekor emphasized that IOCs should not divest without addressing existing issues in their host communities. He highlighted the committee’s determination to use the law to ensure that companies correct any wrongs before divesting.
Dekor stated, “This committee will liaise and form partnerships with those affected host communities to make sure that whether Shell or any other oil company are brought to account. We want people from host communities to begin to reap the benefits of oil and gas.”
The committee observed that some IOCs were swiftly divesting from offshore assets, and Dekor emphasized their intent to intervene to ensure host communities benefit from the process. Additionally, concerns were raised about the non-functional status of the Host Community Development Trust implemented by some oil firms, indicating that communities in the Niger Delta are yet to experience the benefits of the PIA.
Dekor urged regulatory agencies and oil companies to take urgent steps to ensure host communities do not continue to face poverty while contributing significantly to the nation’s oil production. He emphasized the importance of adherence to the PIA and called on regulators to ensure oil companies fulfill their responsibilities, addressing the needs of host communities in the Niger Delta.
