Foundation unveils platform for coordinated motion on improvement of host communities
By Anita Uzoagba
The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives within the Niger Delta (PIND) has inaugurated a National Multi-Stakeholder Platform to handle gaps in Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) governance.
The platform can also be meant to help efficient implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act throughout the Niger Delta.
Anne Ihugba, Manager, Knowledge Management and Communications, PIND Foundation, stated this on Monday in Abuja.
According to Ihugba, the undertaking brings communities, regulators, oil firms and civil society collectively to advance PIA implementation and accountable climate-responsive improvement.
“Established under PIND’s CONNECT Project in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the platform brings together HCDTs, communities, state governments, regulators, civil society organisations, settlors, petroleum-sector actors and development partners.
“The project is designed to strengthen engagement through structured dialogue, evidence sharing, and coordinated action.
“The platform will focus on practical challenges affecting HCDT governance, regulatory collaboration, transparency, community participation, climate-responsive development planning, conflict sensitivity and evidence-based decision-making,” she stated.
She quoted PIND Executive Director, Mr Sam Daibo, as saying that the platform was created to ship motion, not one other layer of dialogue.
According to Daibo, the CONNECT Project builds on studying from PIND’s Bridges Project and goals to scale examined approaches for community-led improvement.
“The real test of this platform will be what happens after today, whether stakeholders follow through on agreed priorities, share evidence, resolve issues early and improve development outcomes for host communities.
“PIND will provide the secretariat and technical support, but the platform’s strength will come from the leadership, participation and accountability of its members,” he stated.
A board member of PIND, Prof. Obafemi Ajibola, stated sustained collaboration could be important to translate the Petroleum Industry Act’s host-community provisions into stronger establishments and visual improvement outcomes.
“No institution or stakeholder group can close these gaps alone.
“This platform gives us a shared mechanism to surface challenges, learn across sectors and agree on who will do what and by when, to strengthen trust, accountability and delivery.
“The National MSP will operate through a Plenary, Steering Committee, and time-bound Technical Working Groups,” Ajibola stated.
He stated that PIND would function secretariat, supporting coordination, documentation, and motion monitoring whereas the platform’s management and members drive agreed priorities.
“State-level engagements and technical reviews will follow as the CONNECT Project advances,” he stated. (NAN)
Edited by Abdulrahman Kadiri
