Ingentia Energies Inaugurates PML 66 Host Communities Development Trust Board of Trustees

Ingentia Energies Limited (IEL) has formally inaugurated the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Petroleum Mining Lease 66 Host Communities Development Trust (PML 66 HCDT), marking a significant milestone in the Company’s commitment to sustainable community development, inclusive stakeholder engagement and implementation of the Host Communities Development provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, 23 July 2026, in Port Harcourt, which brought together representatives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Rivers State Government, Abua/Odual Local Government Council, traditional institutions, community leaders and other key stakeholders.

The PML 66 HCDT serves IEL’s host communities of Egbolom, Omelema and Agada-1 in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, providing a structured, community-led platform for identifying and implementing development priorities that deliver sustainable socioeconomic benefits through the statutory 3% annual operating expenditure contribution by IEL as required under the PIA.

Commitment to Shared Prosperity

Speaking at the inauguration, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ingentia Energies Limited, Engr. Charles Odita, described the establishment of the Trust as an important step in strengthening the partnership between the Company and its host communities.

He noted that the inauguration followed extensive consultations among the Company, host communities, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders. He further highlighted that the PIA provides a framework that empowers host communities to identify and prioritise development projects that address their needs.

Engr. Odita expressed confidence that the operationalisation of the PML 66 HCDT would accelerate sustainable development across the communities while strengthening IEL’s relationship with its stakeholders.

Representing the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Kingsley Ehiaguina, Assistant Director, Host Community Development, commended Ingentia Energies for its commitment to implementing the PIA and charged the Trustees to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and good governance in managing the Trust.

According to the Commission, 163 HCDTs have been incorporated under the PIA, with more than 1,100 development projects currently being implemented across the Niger Delta and over 200 projects completed and commissioned.

Mr. Ehiaguina encouraged the Board to ensure that the resources entrusted to it translate into sustainable projects that deliver measurable improvements in the lives and livelihoods of members of the host communities. 

Community-Led Development and Accountability

The establishment of the PML 66 HCDT followed extensive stakeholder engagement and community needs assessments involving traditional rulers, women, youths and other community representatives. These engagements informed the development of a five-year Community Development Plan to guide the implementation of priority projects.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Barr. Sunday Jonathan, pledged that the Trustees would discharge their responsibilities with integrity, transparency, prudence and accountability, ensuring that the Trust’s resources deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits to the communities.

The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Patrick Ndukue, also reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to providing a peaceful and enabling environment for responsible business operations and sustainable community development.

Similarly, the Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Engr. Owolabi Michael Ofori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Noah, commended Ingentia Energies for establishing the Trust and urged the Trustees to manage its resources prudently and transparently for the benefit of the host communities.

Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development

For Ingentia Energies Limited, the inauguration of the PML 66 HCDT goes beyond statutory compliance. It reinforces the Company’s commitment to building enduring partnerships founded on mutual respect, transparency, shared prosperity and sustainable development.

IEL recognises its host communities as critical partners in the responsible development of PML 66 and remains committed to constructive engagement with communities, government institutions and regulatory authorities.

The inauguration marks a new chapter in this partnership—one that empowers host communities to shape their development priorities while promoting accountability, peaceful coexistence and long-term shared prosperity.

Ingentia Energies Limited remains committed to responsibly developing Nigeria’s energy resources while creating sustainable value for its host communities, stakeholders and the nation.