The Nigerian petroleum industry is set to witness a critical discussion on the progress and challenges of Host Community Development Trusts four years after the Petroleum Industry Act.

First Fiduciary Limited, in collaboration with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, is hosting a high-level roundtable on July 16, 2025, in Lagos.

The event, themed “Four Years After the Petroleum Industry Act: Rethinking the Experience, Restating the Future,” will bring together key industry stakeholders, including operators, regulators, trust board members, legal professionals, and community leaders.

The aim is to assess the current state of HCDT implementation and chart a more effective and inclusive path forward.

According to the Managing Director of First Fiduciary Limited, Oyeyemi Oke, while the industry has mastered the mechanics of HCDT establishment, operational excellence in trust administration requires a different approach to stakeholder engagement. The roundtable will explore what makes some models work and why others are falling short.

With billions of naira and the social credibility of the petroleum sector at stake, the success of HCDTs is fundamental to the future sustainability of Nigeria’s energy industry. Stakeholders are encouraged to register and take part in this timely opportunity to realign approaches, share insights, and shape the future of host community development.

The event will provide a platform for open dialogue and shared learning across the sector, spotlighting both successes and challenges. Key participants will include upstream operators, legal and compliance professionals, corporate social responsibility and sustainability teams, community leaders, policymakers, and regulators.