In a joint statement, the Petroleum Industry Development Fund (PIND) and the National Oil and Gas Production Council (NUPRC) urged the Nigerian government to intensify reforms aimed at improving governance and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for host communities.
The call comes as the PIA, which came into force in 2021, seeks to bring greater transparency and accountability to the oil and gas sector. Both organisations emphasised that sustained efforts are essential to ensure that the benefits of petroleum activities reach the communities that host exploration and production operations.
PIND and NUPRC highlighted that weak governance structures and inconsistent application of the Act have hindered the delivery of promised social and economic development projects in many host areas across the country.
By strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcing the provisions of the PIA, the organisations believe that host communities will receive better infrastructure, education, and health services, while also gaining a fair share of the revenue generated from their natural resources.
Both bodies called on federal and state authorities to collaborate with local governments and community leaders to monitor compliance, promote transparency, and secure long‑term benefits for residents affected by oil and gas activities.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
