Host Communities Development Trust Fund as Prescribed by the PIA: Administration and Prospects
The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) fundamentally changed the framework for engagement between petroleum operations and host communities in Nigeria.
At the centre of this framework is the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) — a statutory mechanism intended to provide structured community development, participation and benefits in areas hosting petroleum operations and infrastructure.
For pipeline and midstream professionals, understanding how the HCDT framework operates is increasingly important. Host-community development is no longer simply a matter of informal engagement between operators and communities. It involves defined governance structures, development planning, funding mechanisms, accountability and dispute-resolution processes.
From statutory framework to practical implementation
The practical administration of HCDTs raises important questions.
How are Host Community Development Trusts established and governed? What are the responsibilities of Settlors and Boards of Trustees? How should development priorities be identified and implemented? How is the Trust Fund managed and utilised? And how can the framework contribute to more constructive and sustainable relationships between petroleum operators and host communities?
These are among the issues that will be examined at the forthcoming PLAN Technical Meeting.
A technical conversation with Ibrahim Zakari Biu
PLAN will host Ibrahim Zakari Biu, Senior Regulatory Officer in the Host Communities Petitions and Dispute Resolutions Unit.
Mr. Biu brings more than ten years of public-service experience and specialised experience in Host Communities Development Trust administration. He was part of the team involved in drafting the Midstream Petroleum Host Communities Development Trust Regulations, 2024, the development of the Host Community Development Trust Portal and the onboarding of Midstream Petroleum HCDTs.
He has also participated in tripartite engagements involving licensees and host-community leaders and has been involved in the handling of host-community dispute cases.
What will the session cover?
The technical meeting will explore:
- The HCDT framework established under the PIA
- Administration and governance of the Trust
- Roles of Settlors, Trustees and host communities
- Host Community Development Plans
- Administration and utilisation of the Trust Fund
- Community participation and local opportunities
- Stakeholder engagement and dispute resolution
- Emerging implementation challenges and future prospects
Event Details
PLAN Technical Meeting
Theme: Host Communities Development Trust Fund as Prescribed by the PIA: Administration and Prospects
Date: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Time: 5:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Online — Zoom
Registration
Register to attend:
The session provides an opportunity for pipeline and petroleum professionals to deepen their understanding of the HCDT framework and its practical implications for petroleum infrastructure, operators and host communities.
Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PLAN)
Advancing professional knowledge. Strengthening the pipeline industry.
