TotalEnergies Engages Bonny/Finima Community on the Impacts of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021

In a concerted effort to enhance understanding and awareness of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, TotalEnergies organized a comprehensive sensitization programme for the Bonny/Finima Cluster. The event, held at the Finima TownHall in Bonny Local Government Area, brought together community leaders, stakeholders, and residents for an in-depth discussion on the transformative implications of the PIA on the oil and gas sector and the host communities.

The sensitization programme aimed to demystify the PIA, a landmark legislation designed to overhaul Nigeria's petroleum industry, streamline regulations, and foster greater transparency and efficiency. Recognizing the significant role that the Bonny/Finima community plays in the nation's oil and gas production, TotalEnergies sought to ensure that residents are well-informed about the provisions of the Act and how it affects their rights and opportunities.

Key Highlights of the Event

Comprehensive Overview of the PIA: Experts from TotalEnergies delivered presentations on the core components of the PIA, including the establishment of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), which is designed to ensure that communities directly benefit from the resources extracted in their area.

Community Engagement and Q&A Sessions: Attendees were given the opportunity to engage directly with the experts, asking questions and expressing their concerns. Topics such as the allocation of funds for community projects, environmental protections, and the role of local governance in the implementation of the PIA were hotly discussed.

Empowerment and Opportunities: The programme emphasized the potential for the PIA to empower local communities by providing them with a greater share of the revenue generated from oil and gas activities and by enhancing their role in the governance of these resources.

In his opening remarks, the Community Liaison Officer of TotalEnergies highlighted the importance of the PIA as a catalyst for positive change, stating, "The Petroleum Industry Act is a pivotal step toward ensuring that our host communities are not just passive observers but active participants in the oil and gas value chain. Today's sensitization is part of our commitment to transparency and collaboration."

Local leaders and stakeholders present at the event lauded the initiative, noting that such sensitization efforts are crucial for bridging the knowledge gap and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the community members.

As the programme concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the PIA, while also calling for continuous engagement and collaboration between TotalEnergies, the government, and the community to ensure the Act's successful implementation.

The Bonny/Finima Cluster Sensitisation Programme is part of a broader initiative by TotalEnergies to engage and educate host communities across Nigeria, ensuring that the transformative goals of the PIA are fully realized for the benefit of all stakeholders.