Niger Delta Citizens Alliance Applauds NUPRC at Four, Lauds Komolafe’s Transformative Leadership

By our Correspondent

The Niger Delta Citizens Alliance (NDCA) has lauded the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its remarkable strides in advancing the welfare of host communities across the oil-producing region over the past four years.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by its President, Kingsley Charles, and Secretary-General, Ogbobetta Nelli, the group commended the Commission’s leadership under Engr.

“For decades, oil-producing communities were burdened with unfulfilled promises. But since the establishment of NUPRC in 2021, and under Engr. Komolafe’s leadership, we have seen genuine transformation. The Host Community Development Trust has rekindled hope by ensuring that oil wealth now benefits the people directly,” the statement said.

The group praised the Commission’s management of the ₦373 billion Host Community Development Fund and over 500 ongoing projects across the Niger Delta, calling it “the most inclusive community intervention in Nigeria’s oil history.”

“These projects are tangible and impactful — from hospitals and schools in Rivers and Bayelsa to water and skills acquisition projects in Delta and Akwa Ibom. NUPRC has successfully bridged the gap between communities and corporations, replacing years of distrust with structured collaboration and accountability,” the group noted.

NDCA further commended the Commission for introducing the digital HostComply dashboard, which enables transparent tracking of community funds and ensures that every naira is tied to measurable outcomes.

“By leveraging technology, the Commission has empowered host communities to take ownership of their development. People can now monitor how funds are utilized and what projects are delivered. This transparency has greatly reduced tension and built trust between oil operators and residents,” the statement added.

The Alliance also praised NUPRC’s policy requiring that local labour and suppliers be prioritized in project execution, thereby creating thousands of jobs for young people in host communities.

“This is the development model the Niger Delta has long yearned for — one where the people are active participants, not passive observers. The success of the Host Community Trust reflects what visionary leadership can achieve when transparency is combined with compassion,” NDCA stated.

The group urged oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to comply fully with their statutory obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly the three percent annual contribution to the Host Community Development Trust Fund.

According to NDCA, sustained compliance by operators will ensure the continuation of critical infrastructure projects, deepen community trust, and consolidate the progress made under NUPRC’s supervision.

The Alliance congratulated the NUPRC on its fourth anniversary, describing the milestone as a celebration of fairness, inclusion, and shared prosperity in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.