Petralon 54, an indigenous exploration and production company and operator of the Dawes-Island Field in Rivers State, has inaugurated the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) for its host communities, Ogoloma and Konyama (Okochiri and Koniju), to support Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) compliance and sustainable community development. reinforces its broader commitment to.
The formal inauguration, which took place in Port Harcourt on October 22 and 23, 2025, is a major milestone in the implementation of section three of PIA 2021 of Petralone 54. The law requires all oil and gas operators to establish HCDTs to ensure that host communities benefit directly from petroleum operations while promoting peace, inclusivity and long-term prosperity.
The two-day event was attended by prominent personalities from government, industry and traditional institutions, including the Chief Secretary of Rivers State and Permanent Secretary for Community Affairs, Ndukwe Patrick; Olatokunbo Karimu, Assistant Director, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); and Ogechi Opete, deputy director at NUPRC's Port Harcourt regional office, representing the agency's chief executive, Gbenga Komolafe. Community leaders, women representatives and chiefs of Okochiri, Koniju and Ogoloma states were also present.
Welcoming the guests, Ahonsi Unuigbe, Founder and CEO of Petralon Energy, the parent company of Petralon 54, said the construction of the HCDT goes beyond legal compliance.
“The establishment of the HCDT is not just about meeting the requirements of PIA, but is an expression of our inherent culture of recognising, addressing and aligning with the aspirations of our stakeholders, especially the communities hosting our operations,” Yunuigbe said.
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He said that this initiative represents a commitment towards lasting partnership, empowerment and inclusive growth.
Echoing this sentiment, Uduakobong Ikwerre, executive director of Petralon 54, said the launch “reflects a shared commitment to progress, equity and sustainability,” stressing that the trusts “are designed to ensure that the benefits of oil and gas operations are visible, measurable and sustainable at the grassroots level.”
In his acceptance speech, Chris Biriovu, Chairman of the Okochiri Host Community Development Trust, commended Petralon 54 for its transparency and community-centric approach.
“I am pleased to be part of this process that will empower our people and bring development to our community,” he said. “Petralon 54 has demonstrated honesty and genuine concern for our well-being, and we will respond with full cooperation.”
Similarly, Miebaka Tamunopekerebia, Chairman of the Ogoloma Host Community Development Trust, described Petralon 54 as “a people-centred organization committed to partnership and collaboration”, noting that the establishment of the Trust “redefine[s]the relationship between host communities and exploration companies.”
The construction of the Dawes-Island HCDT represents a concrete step towards embedding PIA's vision of shared prosperity and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria's oil producing regions. Through these trusts, local communities will participate directly in the planning and management of development initiatives financed by a portion of the oil companies' operating expenses.
By prioritizing dialogue, inclusion and transparency, Petralon 54 is establishing itself as a model for indigenous operators who understand Nigeria’s evolving regulatory and social landscape.
“Today’s inauguration is not just compliance,” Yunuigbe said. “This is about building a future where business growth and community progress go hand in hand.”
The Dawes-Island HCDT launch underlines Petralon 54's commitment to aligning operations with PIA's objectives, fostering peace, fostering social investment and ensuring that host communities remain integral partners in Nigeria's energy future.
