Leaders of the Oil bearing communities in the Niger Delta regions have been advised to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of funds accruing to the communities for developmental purposes.
The National President of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas Dr. Benjamin Tamaranebi gave the charge in Owerri during a sensitization organized for Host Communities Development Board of Trustees and Settlors in Imo and Abia States.
He urged those vested with the authority of implementing proceeds from the petroleum industry act in the communities to ensure that only sustainable projects that have direct bearing on the needs of the people were embarked on.
Dr. Tamaranebi appealed to the oil bearing communities to sustain the ongoing peace in the areas and called on them to channel their grievances to mediators for alternative dispute resolution instead of embarking on endless litigations that will slow pace of development.
A representative of the upstream regulatory body Mr. Daniel Atama reiterated their commitment to ensuring harmony among stakeholders in the oil and gas industries noting that the petroleum industry act does not stop companies from embarking on corporate social responsibilities in their host communities.
The traditional ruler of Asaa community in Ohaji Egbema local government area of Imo state Eze Emmanuel Asor said they had been enlightened on how to relate with Oil companies operating in their communities and how to effectively utilize the three percent funds accruing to them.
