Petralon Energy officially inaugurated the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) for the Ogoloma and Koniama communities in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, a significant step in advancing sustainable, community-driven development in line with our broader commitment to shared prosperity and responsible operations.
The two-day inauguration ceremony, held on October 22 and 23, 2025, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Rivers State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, traditional rulers (Amanyanabos), community and women leaders, and chiefs from across our host communities.
The commissioning marks a new phase in Petralon’s partnership with its host communities at Dawes Island, following months of sensitisation and stakeholder engagement designed to ensure that community representatives, youth groups, and traditional institutions play an active role in shaping their own development priorities. Ahonsi Unuigbe, Founder and CEO of Petralon Energy, reflected on the significance of the moment: “I want to thank the community for the harmonious relationship over the years and the support. I am excited that our existing ten-year relationship is today being formalised to jointly continue charting a path for sustainable partnership, empowerment and inclusive growth with the inauguration of the Development Trust for our host communities
Each Trust will oversee and fund projects identified by the communities themselves, supported by a transparent governance structure and a defined 12-month implementation roadmap. This model reflects the company’s belief that long-term operational success and genuine social progress are achieved when communities have full ownership of the process.
Uduakobong Equere, Executive Director of Petralon 54 Ltd, emphasised the community-centered nature of the initiative: “These Trusts belong to the people of Ogoloma and Koniama, and they are designed to ensure that the benefits of oil and gas operations are visible, measurable, and sustainable at the grassroot level.
Chief (Dr.) Chris Biriowu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Okochiri Host Community Development Trust, commended the company’s approach: “I am happy to be a part of this process that will bring empowerment to our people and development to our community. I applaud the leadership of Petralon 54 Ltd for their transparency and noble intentions and would like to assure the company of the cooperation of the people of Okochiri.
The establishment of the Ogoloma and Koniama HCDTs demonstrates how Petralon’s philosophy of “redefining the relationship between oil companies and communities” translates from principle to practice. As the company continues to scale production at Dawes Island and deepen its national footprint, it remains focused on creating shared value and ensuring that progress in the field translates directly into progress for the communities it serves.