Energy NNPCL/TotalEnergies JV commissions projects under the Obagi HCDT-50,000 persons benefit
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Obagi Oilfield Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in OML58, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, came alive on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, as TotalEnergies and JV partners, commissioned seven development projects spanning health care, infrastructure, agriculture, economic empowerment, and human capacity development.
The projects, executed under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, were drawn from the Community Development Plan (CDP) in which 539 projects were identified across 64 host communities.
Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Managing Director, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and Country Chair of TotalEnergies in Nigeria, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, said: “The projects with impacts on health, agriculture, livelihood support, human capacity development, economic empowerment, among others, are part of the early fruits of the establishment of the HCDTs under the Petroleum Industry Act, (PIA) 2021.
The establishment of the HCDTs under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 marked a new era in community engagement; one that places host communities at the centre of development planning and execution.”
He noted further that, “The commissioning of these projects reflects TotalEnergies’ identity as a responsible multi-energy company committed to enhancing the well-being of its host communities, in alignment with our ‘Sustainable Lever 4: Our Communities’. Through our five levers for sustainable change, we continue to give tangible expression to our broader development strategy as an energy company in transition and committed to the implementation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals as it relates to our host communities.”
Mr, Bouyer reassured the Obagi people and Nigerians that,” We will continue to work with industry stakeholders for effective implementation of the PIA to ensure the sustainable socio-economic development of our host communities and the country at large.”
In his remarks, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Host Communities, Senator Ben Agadaga described the projects as quite significant, attributing the relative peace in the Niger Delta and the oil industry to the achievements of the PIA such as the Obagi HCDT.
River State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, who is from the area recalled the challenges faced by the people especially poor infrastructures before the implementations of the projects.
She applauded Total Energies and its partners for implementing the PIA. She also thanked President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly for creating the enabling environment to achieving such milestones.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities, Dumnamene Dekor, represented by a member of the Committee, Cyril Hart, expressed delight on the quality of the projects delivered, stating that it is joyful to see communities enjoying social economic benefits from oil and gas revenue which according to him, brings peace.
On his part, the Executive Commissioner, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Capt. John Tonlagha, who represented the Commission Chief Executive, described the projects as a true representation of wisdom, accountability and diligence.
He said, ” This milestone translates to impacts, touching lives and strengthening sustainability. It shows that prioritizing dialogue over conflict is what has made this achievement possible. Sustainable development cannot thrive without support and ownership. Today, you have proven to Nigeria and the world that true progress is best built on foundation of unity and peace”.
Community leaders expressed delight at the initiative which directly or indirectly impacts more than 50,000 community residents, and called on people, especially the youth, to take ownership of the projects to ensure sustainability for generations to come.
