From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) to strengthen institutional capacity and advance sustainable, community-led development across its host communities.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in the Trust’s commitment to translating community priorities into development initiatives that deliver lasting social and economic value. It combines KEFFESO HCDT’s knowledge of its communities with PIND’s technical expertise, development experience and partner networks.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HRH Theophilus Moses, described the partnership as an important step towards strengthening the Trust’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
“We intend to engage with PIND to strengthen our capacity, build collaborative community development programmes and learn from their experience. We want them to direct us aright,” he said.
The Chairman acknowledged PIND’s contribution to development in the Niger Delta and expressed confidence that the collaboration would support better programme design, stronger implementation practices and broader opportunities for the Trust’s communities.
He further emphasised KEFFESO HCDT’s ambition to draw on relevant development experience and networks within and beyond Nigeria, adapting practical approaches to the needs of its host communities.
Under the MoU, KHCDT and PIND will explore collaboration in technical and vocational training linked to employment and entrepreneurship, clean-energy solutions for households and enterprises, and knowledge sharing among Host Community Development Trusts.
The partnership will also support the documentation of lessons and the use of evidence to inform future development initiatives.
KHCDT will lead the identification of community priorities, stakeholder engagement and community ownership, while PIND will provide technical advice, programme design support and access to its partner networks. This complementary approach will help ensure that initiatives respond to local needs and support sustainable outcomes.
Also speaking at the ceremony, PIND Executive Director, Sam Ogbemi Daibo, highlighted the importance of development investments that reflect community priorities and create lasting opportunities.
“Host communities need development investments that respond to their priorities and create opportunities that last. By combining KEFFESO’s knowledge of its communities with PIND’s technical experience and partner networks, we can develop practical approaches to employment, enterprise and energy access—and share what works with other trusts,” he said.
Since commencing operations in July 2024, KHCDT has completed 20 infrastructure projects across its host communities and initiated processes for 11 additional projects scheduled for 2026. The partnership with PIND builds on this progress and complements the support provided by the Trust’s settlor, FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), and its technical consultant, Rex and Rhema Consulting Limited.
Established under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, KHCDT serves 11 host communities: Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Ezetu 1, Ezetu 2, Foropa, Fishtown, Ekeni, Sangana, Opu-Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu and Oginibiri. It is the Host Community Development Trust of the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P Joint Venture, operator of PML 53 and 54.
Through this partnership, KHCDT reaffirms its commitment to strategic collaboration, inclusive development and community ownership as foundations for delivering sustainable value across its host communities.
