By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
A civil society organisation has raised concerns over governance weaknesses and gender imbalance in Nigeria’s Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), institutions created under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to support development in oil-producing communities.The findings were contained in the inaugural Host Communities Development Index (HCDI) released by Policy Alert at the 2026 Host Communities Development Forum in Port Harcourt.
The index evaluated 18 trusts in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, assessing performance across governance and accountability, gender and social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and preparedness for the global energy transition. According to the report, women remain significantly under-represented in the leadership structures of most trusts. Only one of the assessed trusts — Foursome HCDT — had up to 40 percent female representation on its board.
The study also found gaps in environmental responsibility and long-term planning. Two trusts reportedly scored zero on environmental sustainability indicators, while none of the 18 assessed had developed a comprehensive strategy for energy transition.
Presenting the report, Policy Alert’s Executive Director, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, said the index was designed to strengthen accountability in the emerging HCDT system. He noted that while some trusts are beginning to establish credible governance frameworks, challenges such as limited transparency, weak institutional capacity and inconsistent funding remain.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Dumnamene Dekor, said the National Assembly would continue to provide oversight to ensure the PIA delivers development to host communities. Participants at the forum also called for reforms, including measures to improve women’s representation in HCDT governing boards.
