The Ibom Minerals, Energy & Maritime Professionals Association (IMEMPA) has called for stronger institutional collaboration, improved regulatory compliance, and coordinated policy frameworks among Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) operating in Ibeno Local Government Area to fully harness the development opportunities created by the Petroleum Industry Act.
The call was made during “SYNERGY 2026,” the first joint meeting of Host Community Development Trusts in Ibeno, held on March 9, 2026. The landmark gathering was organized by the SEPLAT/NNPC Host Community Development Trust and brought together stakeholders from across government, industry, and host communities to chart a coordinated path for sustainable development.
The meeting aimed to deepen understanding of the PIA provisions relating to host communities, encourage collaboration among the trusts, reduce duplication of development projects, and strengthen the implementation of community-focused initiatives across oil-producing communities in Ibeno.
Broad Stakeholder Participation
The event attracted chairmen and representatives of the six Host Community Development Trusts operating within the local government area, alongside government officials, community leaders, and development stakeholders.
Among the notable dignitaries present were Hon. Thomas Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the MPN (Seplat)/NNPC HCDT and coordinating chairman of all HCDT BoT chairmen in Ibeno; Dr. David Udoma-Michaels, IMEMPA Vice President (Local Content Development & HSE); Engr. Victor Udom, Executive Secretary of IMEMPA; Hon. Friday Udobia, member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency.
Also in attendance were Hon. Ikoedem, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning in Akwa Ibom State, as well as a representative of the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council.
Representatives of several Host Community Development Trusts—including IFUN HCDT, PIA Ibeno HCDT, Mbuotidem/Ayim Ibeno HCDT, Seplat HCDT, Oil Mining Lease 13 HCDT, Tom Short Bank HCDT, and Oando HCDT—also participated in the meeting.
Call for Transparency and Accountability:
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the SEPLAT/NNPC HCDT, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas, who also serves as the coordinating chairman of all HCDTs in Ibeno, welcomed participants and commended the trusts for embracing collaboration in pursuit of the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act.
He noted that the PIA provides a historic opportunity for host communities to assume greater responsibility for their development through structured trust funds, stressing that transparency, accountability, and integrity must guide the management of these resources.
According to him, improved coordination among the trusts would strengthen project implementation and help prevent conflicts and duplication of development initiatives across host communities.
IMEMPA Leads Technical Session on PIA Opportunities:
A major highlight of the meeting was a technical session facilitated by IMEMPA representatives, Dr. David Udoma-Michaels and Engr. Victor Udom, titled “Understanding Opportunities under the PIA – Host Community Development Trust Framework.”
During the session, IMEMPA introduced a PIA Compliance Checklist and Self-Assessment Tool, comprising 20 evaluation questions designed to help the various trusts measure their level of compliance with key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Participants from the different trusts undertook the assessment across five critical compliance areas, allowing stakeholders to identify existing regulatory gaps and areas requiring improvement.
The exercise served as a diagnostic tool for strengthening governance structures, improving regulatory compliance culture, and aligning the operations of the trusts with statutory requirements.
Blueprint for Stronger Collaboration:
Speaking during the session, IMEMPA Executive Secretary Victor Udom reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the objectives of the SYNERGY 2026 initiative.
He disclosed that IMEMPA would work towards developing a comprehensive operational blueprint aimed at strengthening collaboration among the various trusts and improving the delivery of development projects within host communities.
The proposed framework, he explained, would focus on addressing regulatory compliance gaps identified through the self-assessment exercise, providing technical support to trusts, and building stronger partnerships between HCDTs, government institutions, oil companies, and community stakeholders.
Key Recommendations:
To institutionalize collaboration and ensure efficient use of development resources, Victor Udom – IMEMPA ES proposed several strategic initiatives. These include the establishment of an Ibeno Development Coordination Council (IDCC) comprising HCDTs, regulatory agencies, oil and gas operators, the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Ibeno Local Government Council, community leaders, and civil society organizations.
Other recommendations include the organization of bi-annual joint coordination meetings of the trusts, the creation of a centralized digital project registry, and the development of an integrated development master plan covering priority sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, water and sanitation, economic empowerment, and environmental remediation.
IMEMPA also proposed the establishment of a transparency and disclosure portal to publicly track project approvals, budgets, contractors, and implementation status, as well as the introduction of a Project Non-Duplication Clearance Certificate to ensure development initiatives are properly coordinated.
Additional measures include Geographic Information System (GIS) project mapping to monitor project locations and identify underserved communities, as well as an independent monitoring and evaluation mechanism involving community representatives and technical organizations.
Toward Coordinated Development
Participants at the meeting unanimously agreed that stronger coordination among HCDTs would significantly improve the effectiveness of development projects in host communities.
They noted that improved governance standards, transparency, and collaborative planning would help ensure that the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, social services, and economic empowerment across oil-producing communities in Ibeno.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas emphasized that sustained synergy among the trusts would strengthen community representation, enhance project coordination, and ultimately deliver more impactful development outcomes for the people of Ibeno.
