- Awards 4,118 Scholarships, Empowers Hundreds in Vocational Skills
- Community Leaders, Paramount Rulers, and NNPC/Seplat Representatives Commend Trust’s Impact
By Abasiubong Tom ✍️
The Incorporated Trustees of the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and inclusive development across their host communities, as the Trust held its Second Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Jodac Hotels and Suites, Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
Delivering his address at the meeting, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Engr. Clinton Akpam, said the Trust has recorded significant achievements within two years of its establishment, positioning EMOIMEE as one of the most viable and transparent Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) in Nigeria.
Institutional Background and Mandate
Established on July 5, 2023, and inaugurated on July 18, 2023, the EMOIMEE HCDT operates in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which mandates oil companies to set aside 3% of their annual operating expenditure (OPEX) to fund development projects in their host communities.
The Trust covers seven local government areas namely Eastern Obolo, Mbo, ONNA, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eket and Esit Eket, forming the acronym EMOIMEE. Its operations are supervised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) (formerly Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited).
Over 200 Projects Completed and Ongoing
According to Akpam, the Trust has executed more than 200 community projects across its seven host local government areas. These include 58 projects in ONNA, 41 in Ikot Abasi, 36 in Mkpat Enin, 35 in Eket, 25 in Esit Eket, 10 in Eastern Obolo and 5 in Mbo.
He disclosed that these projects span critical areas such as education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure, agriculture, power and economic empowerment.
Education, Health, and Empowerment Initiatives
The Chairman highlighted several social investment programs executed by the Trust since inception. These include 4,118 scholarships and bursaries to tertiary students, 295 scholarships to secondary school students, 140 youths trained in ICT, 275 persons trained in skills including maritime operations, fashion design, baking and confectioneries, and 493 beneficiaries empowered with motorcycles, tricycles and minibuses.
The Trust also distributed 60 sets of outboard engines and five fishing boats to fishermen, while 63,000 improved oil palm seedlings were supplied to local farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
Healthcare interventions have also been a key focus, with the provision of three ambulances, eight medical outreach programmes, medical equipment and drugs to 12 centres, and support for community security through 30 motorcycles and stipends for vigilante units.
Infrastructure and Power Development
To enhance basic infrastructure, the Trust reactivated 22 boreholes with solar-powered pumps, repaired 13 transformers and installed 77 prepaid meters. Other works include the grading of over 60km of internal roads, construction of six culverts and the installation of solar-powered street lights in multiple communities.
Financial Report and Performance
Presenting the financial report for 2024, Engr. Akpam revealed that the Trust recorded total inflows of ₦30.84 billion, comprising ₦4.96 billion in naira remittances and $16.76 billion (converted) in dollar remittances. Additional income sources included ₦7.94 billion in foreign exchange gains and ₦1.16 billion in investment dividends.
Total expenditure on projects and operations stood at ₦8.25 billion, resulting in an excess of income over expenditure of ₦22.66 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Each of the seven local government areas received ₦3.95 billion during the period under review, while the Reserve Account, managed by Quantum Zenith Capital and Investments Limited, posted a Net Asset Value of ₦11.96 billion as at December 31, 2024.
Akpam emphasized that the Trust operates four designated accounts, namely Collection, Project (75%), Reserve (20%) and Administrative (5%), in line with NUPRC regulations, with financial transactions subject to strict oversight by the Settlor’s representatives and external auditors, Basil Okpokpong & Company.
Commendations from Stakeholders
In separate goodwill messages, community leaders, Paramount Rulers of the seven host local government areas, and representatives of NNPC and Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited commended the EMOIMEE Trust for its impressive record of achievements, transparency, and dedication to community welfare.
The Paramount Ruler of Eket, His Royal Majesty Obong E. C. Abia, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, lauded the Trust for its inclusive approach to development and for ensuring equitable distribution of projects across all host communities. He described EMOIMEE as “a model for other HCDTs across the Niger Delta,” and urged the board to sustain its transparent management culture.
Also speaking, Mr. Godwin Iyak, the Community Affairs Manager of Seplat Energy, commended the Trust for its prudent financial management and for translating the 3% Host Community Fund into tangible development. He noted that EMOIMEE’s model “reflects a true partnership between the oil industry and its host communities.”
A representative of the NNPCL Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mrs. Grace Uche, praised the Trustees and management for aligning with the goals of the Petroleum Industry Act, stressing that the EMOIMEE Trust “has set a benchmark for performance, accountability, and grassroots empowerment.”
Community leaders from Eastern Obolo, Mbo, and ONNA equally expressed satisfaction with the projects so far executed, describing them as life-changing interventions that have improved livelihoods and fostered peace between host communities and the oil company.
Challenges and Strategic Outlook
Despite notable progress, the Trust faces operational challenges including approval delays due to the Settlor’s Lagos-based representation, limited vehicles for project supervision, and the absence of an approved five-year Community Development Plan (CDP).
To address these, Akpam outlined the Trust’s strategy for 2026 and beyond, which includes capacity-building for staff and members, enhanced community engagement, increased transparency and media visibility, and expanded support staff for Accounts and Projects Departments.
Stakeholder Appreciation and Outlook
The Acting Chairman commended all stakeholders including the NUPRC, NNPCL/SEPNU Joint Venture, Akwa Ibom State Government, royal fathers, local government chairmen and community representatives for their support and cooperation.
He also paid special tribute to the Trust’s pioneer Chairman, Archbishop (Senator) Helen Esuene, whom he described as a visionary leader who laid the solid foundation upon which EMOIMEE continues to thrive.
“These two years have provided us with valuable experience and lessons that will guide us in delivering even more impactful projects,” Akpam stated. “We remain committed to transparency, accountability and the sustainable development of our host communities.”
The AGM was attended by key stakeholders from the oil and gas sector, community leaders, government officials and representatives from the seven host communities.
About EMOIMEE HCDT
The EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust was established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which mandates oil and gas companies to contribute three percent of their annual OPEX to fund sustainable development in host communities. The acronym EMOIMEE represents the seven benefiting local government areas: Eastern Obolo, Mbo, ONNA, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Eket and Esit Eket.
Abasiubong Tom ✍️
Eket, Akwa Ibom State | November 6, 2025
