Spaces for Change Hosts 2nd Edition of Extractive Dialogue

Spaces for Change

– By Ayomide Oginni

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Spaces for Change Hosts 2^nd Edition of Extractive Dialogue

By Eyo Nsima

Spaces for Change (S4C), a non-profit organization working to infuse human rights into social and economic governance processes in Nigeria, has concluded plans to host the 2nd edition of its National Extractives Dialogue.

In a statement obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, S4C, stated: “Spaces for Change is pleased to announce the second edition of the National Extractives Dialogue (NED) is set to be held on 14th- 15th September 2023 in Owerri, Imo State. NED2023 will set the stage for an inclusive and transformative discussion on the responsible management of oil, gas, and mineral resources in West Africa.

“This second annual convening, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Extractive Industries TransparencyInitiative (NEITI), will bring together over 200 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, regulators, extractive industry players, academia, media, civil society organizations, and host communities.”

The theme, “Host Community Development Trusts: Catalysts for Equitable Benefit- Sharing and Sustainable Prosperity for All,” reflects the urgent need to harness the potential of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).”

It stated: “These trusts aim to bridge the gap between natural resource wealth and the well-being of host communities. The PIA, in its Chapter 3, mandates the establishment of Host Community Development Trusts to ensure that host communities directly benefit from natural resource extraction activities.

“Recognizing these communities’ historical and socio-economic importance, the HCDTs serve as a vital mechanism to address their multifaceted needs and concerns.

Commenting on the event, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change said that the theme for NED2023 could not be more timely as oil corporations are currently in the process of setting up Host Community Development Trusts.

According to her, “host communities should not be reduced to mere spectators in the administration of the Host Community Development Trusts.

“The management of the HCDTs should not overlook the existing community structures, traditional institutions, including cultural and statutory organisations that have historically been responsible for undertaking community development in the host communities.”

She added: “Stakeholders at NED2023 will collectively evaluate the progress in establishing HCDTs across oil-producing states in Nigeria, focusing on governance structures, funding mechanisms, equitable benefit-sharing, community participation, conflict resolution, and long-term investments. This dialogue underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to the development and well-being of host communities.”

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