By Tola Gbadamosi

As part of efforts to drive the successful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and strengthen Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), key stakeholders in Ondo State came together for a two-day strategic engagement facilitated by the PIND Foundation through its Bridges Project.

The forum aimed at validating key data, sharpening implementation frameworks, and launching the Ondo State Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) to support community-led development.

The Bridges Project is made possible by the collaboration between PIND Foundation and the Ford Foundation which spans five oil-producing states; Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo, comp

They include; “Capacity building for civil society organizations (CSOs), widespread awareness campaigns, the creation of a multi-stakeholder platform (MSP), and the establishment of a robust monitoring and evaluation system in each state.

Speaking in an interview, the Analysis and Advocacy Manager for the PIND Foundation, Mr. Chuks Ofulue, highlighted the goals of the event as integral to the second phase of the Bridges Project, which builds on a strong foundation laid over the past two to three years.

“This second phase is about bringing the MSP closer to the people. We’re here to validate data on existing HCDTs, test five implementation modules developed during the first phase, and strengthen community-focused governance under the PIA,” he stated.

He revealed that participants, including members of HCDTs (Boards of Trustees, Host Community Management Committees, and Advisory Committees), government representatives, CSOs, NUPRC officials, women leaders, and persons with disabilities engaged in candid discussions on the progress and challenges of PIA implementation.

Mr. Ofulue stressed the importance of intentional collaboration in the formation of the MSPs.

“We want to ensure inclusive and productive engagement without conflict.

“All stakeholders, from community leaders to regulators, must come together to identify gaps and propose practical, sustainable solutions,” he added.

He further noted that the Ondo State session is among the last in the series across the five states and has been commended for its high level of participation and productivity.

The session will culminate in the official inauguration of the Ondo State MSP, which is expected to facilitate ongoing dialogue, monitor progress, and enhance community-driven development under the PIA framework.

“As the Bridges Project progresses, it is expected to play a pivotal role in refining governance structures, improving transparency, and ultimately ensuring that host communities reap the benefits of Nigeria’s petroleum industry in a sustainable and equitable manner.”

A Consultant to the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), Rachael Misan Rippee Ph.D , stated that over the past two years, PIND has trained CSOs and NGOs to engage with HCDTs across the five states, supporting their establishment, conducting needs assessments, and raising awareness.

“PIND also established a Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) comprising settlers, government officials, HCDTs, and CSOs, which has been active for three years.

Rippee added that the collaboration has produced five community development modules, including multi-settler engagement, capacity building, a sharing matrix, and inclusivity measures for women and persons with disabilities.

“As more HCDTs are formed, these documents will be updated. The MSP, previously national in scope, is now being brought closer to communities for more localized impact.”

Mrs. Margaret Adedeji, the State Consultant on the Bridges Project and host from the Better Living Foundation and Capacity Development, extends heartfelt thanks to PIND Foundation in collaboration with the Ford Foundation for making this laudable project a reality. “The project started with extensive research and data collection relating to the HCDT activities and culminate into the formation the Sate Multi-Stakeholders Platform (MSP)

The Bridges Project is made possible by the collaboration between PIND Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

The initiative aims to bring the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) closer to the people, promote inclusivity especially regarding gender and persons with disabilities and build the capacity of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).

It helps them understand key processes such as monitoring, needs assessment, and creating Community Development Plans (CDPs).

Head of CSOs in Ondo State, Franklin Olamiju,
explained that the objective of the stakeholder meeting is to strengthen HCDTs by expanding the MSP to the grassroots in oil-producing states.

He also stated that the local MSPs will help build the capacity of HCDTs to effectively engage, plan, and implement development projects in alignment with the PIA.

CSOs, he said, will play a vital role by offering mediation skills, guiding conflict resolution, and supporting the planning process.

Ultimately, he emphasized, the initiative will ensure that oil-producing communities realise tangible benefits from the PIA.

Executive Director of the Girls to Women Research and Development Center, Chief Olamide Falana, commended PIND for organising the meeting, noting its importance in empowering host communities in Ondo State to fully engage in the PIA process.

Falana highlighted the capacity being developed through the initiative, which enables communities to formulate development plans and engage oil companies to ensure the fair use of allocated funds.

She praised the inclusivity of the process, especially the active involvement of women and persons with disabilities, which she believes will help reduce poverty and enhance human development.

Chief Falana also stressed the need for continued support from PIND and other partners to sustain the impact and ensure the full implementation of the HCDTs in Ondo State.

Representative of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Comrade Ikuomola Olubadewa Pedro, expressed appreciation for their inclusion in the gathering.

He noted that even before their formal invitation, there were already efforts underway to ensure PWDs were not excluded from the planning and implementation of the PIA.

He expressed confidence that the organisations driving the project will continue to support PWDs in achieving their objectives and ensure they benefit fully from the dividends of the PIA in the state.

It helps them understand key processes such as monitoring, needs assessment, and creating Community Development Plans (CDPs).