The Niger Delta Citizens Alliance (NDCA) has urged oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to remain committed to their statutory obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly the three percent annual contribution to the Host Community Development Trust Fund.

The group said consistent compliance by operators would sustain vital infrastructure projects, strengthen trust between oil firms and host communities, and consolidate the progress already achieved under the supervision of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt and jointly signed by its President, Kingsley Charles, and Secretary-General, Ogbobetta Nelli, the NDCA commended the NUPRC for improving the welfare of host communities across the oil-producing region over the past four years.

The group noted that the Commission, under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has redefined resource justice through the transparent implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).

“For decades, oil-producing communities were left with promises that never translated into tangible progress. But since the creation of NUPRC in 2021, and under Engr. Komolafe’s stewardship, we have witnessed a genuine transformation.

“The Host Community Development Trust has restored hope by ensuring that oil wealth is finally reaching the people,” the statement read.

The NDCA praised the NUPRC’s management of the ₦373 billion Host Community Development Fund and oversight of over 500 ongoing projects across the Niger Delta, describing the initiative as “the most inclusive community intervention in the nation’s oil history.”

“These projects are not political billboards — they are real. From hospitals and schools in Rivers and Bayelsa to water projects and skill centres in Delta and Akwa Ibom, the impact is visible,” the group added.

The alliance further commended the Commission’s HostComply digital dashboard, which it said ensures transparent monitoring of community funds, prevents diversion, and links every expenditure to measurable outcomes.

It also lauded NUPRC’s directive that projects must prioritize local labour and suppliers, thereby creating thousands of jobs for youths in host communities.

“This model of development is what the Niger Delta has always demanded — a process where the people are participants, not spectators. The success of the Host Community Trust is a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve when transparency meets compassion,” the statement concluded.

The NDCA reiterated that sustained compliance by oil companies would guarantee the continuity of key community projects, strengthen relations between stakeholders, and consolidate the gains achieved under NUPRC’s current leadership.