CSOs seek NUPRC split for host communities

Civil society organisations in Akwa Ibom State have called for the unbundling of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to improve efficiency and accelerate development in oil-producing host communities.

The groups, operating under the Fair Finance Nigeria Coalition, made the demand in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day advocacy workshop for traditional rulers on impact assessments in oil-producing regions.

The workshop, organised by the coalition, brought together traditional rulers, host community representatives, civil society organisations and media practitioners to examine environmental, social and governance compliance standards and the environmental and economic impact of oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta.

Signatories to the communiqué included Oxfam in Nigeria, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, BudgIT Foundation, Connected Development, Policy Alert, and the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre.

The organisations said unbundling the NUPRC would make the regulatory body more focused on advancing the welfare and development of oil-producing communities.

They also called for a review of the Petroleum Industry Act to guarantee 40 per cent representation for women, youths and persons with disabilities in Host Community Development Trusts.

The coalition further urged stronger legislation and political will to enforce provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act aimed at promoting transparency and accountability.

“The Federal Government should not see penalties for gas flaring as a revenue stream because this violates the polluter-pays principle.

“The polluter-pays principle ensures that polluters suffer reputational damage whenever they incur pollution fines,” the communiqué stated.