Accountability Lab Engages Host Communities in Akwa Ibom State over Transparency in HCDT Management
By Ekemini Simon
Accountability Lab Nigeria in partnership with Ford Foundation has engaged host communities in Akwa Ibom State towards effective implementation and transparency in the management of Host Communities Development Trust.
The engagement which took place recently in Uyo witnessed a sensitisation workshop for our Community Justice Team, the Board of Trustees, Management Committees and Advisory Committees for both Ibeno and Mbo communities in Akwa Ibom State.
In his remarks , the Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Mr. Friday Odeh said the workshop is aimed at tackling challenges within the Host Communities Development Trust Fund, following the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act.
The Country Director called on the Board of Trustee Members of each of the Trust to be transparent on what is the actual amount they receive into the trust, the content of the Community Development Plan, and the pattern of expenditure in the Trust.
Odey said when there is transparency, accountability will be enhanced in the management of the Trust for the overall benefit of the people and pressure from the people owing to unfulfilled expectations will be limited on the managers of the Trust.
In his presentation, the Project Officer of Accountability Lab, Shiiwua Mnenga took the participants through the result of the organisation’s research on the state of implementation of the Trust across host communities in the Niger Delta. He noted that there is a wide gap among community members on what the trust is, how it operates and most importantly information on the three (3) percent operating expenditure matrix.
Mnenga took the participants through various portals the community can explore in getting data that will aid effective engagement with the settlors thus get their rights in the PIA.
In response, Prince Emmanson who serves as a BOT member in the Mbok/Ntak Inyang Universal Energy Trust thanked Accountability Lab for the training. He assured that the drivers of the Trust will effectively utilise the skills gained for robust engagement with the settlors and community.
Also speaking, Martins Asukpa, a Member of Community Justice Team in Ibeno expressed the determination of Justice Team Members to follow through on the execution of projects contained in the Community Development Plan thus helping the host communities benefit from the social and economic dividends the PIA has brought.