NUPRC Raises Alarm Over Illegal Oil Activities in South East and South South Regions

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has expressed alarm over the prevalence of illegal oil activities in the South East and South South regions. At a town hall meeting organized in collaboration with Hostcom Project Management and Adversari Konsult Ltd, the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Atama Daniel, highlighted the adverse effects of illegal oil exploration on host communities.

He mentioned a past incident in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area where 200 people reportedly lost their lives due to illegal oil exploration. The commission reiterated its commitment to addressing the issue through community engagement and the establishment of Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021.

Dr. Benjamin Tamarenebi, the National Chairman of Host Community Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (Hostcom), emphasized the need for sustainable community development projects and prudent investment of available funds.