The Isoko arm of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) has demanded that settlors operating within its area return more than ₦128 million allegedly deducted from community funds without approval, in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The call was made on Thursday by the Chairman of the Isoko HCDT, Hon. (Chief) Igorigo Godday Excellence, during a one-day sensitisation workshop for stakeholders and petroleum host communities held at the Government House Annex in Warri. The workshop was organised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Hon. Excellence explained that Oando, the settlor operating in the area, had fully paid its obligations for the 2022/2023 year and also settled 50 percent of its 2024/2025 contribution, with assurances that the balance would be paid within a short period.
He noted, however, that the major issue confronting the communities was the deduction of funds directly at source by the settlor a situation he said nearly cost him his life following intense backlash from members of his community.
“The challenge we are facing is the money deducted at source by the settlor,” he said. “In my own community, I am only alive by God’s grace. When people believed I was responsible for the deduction, they turned against me.”
According to him, the matter was reported to the Delta State Government through petitions submitted by community members, prompting the government’s intervention and subsequent clarification.
“They petitioned me to the state government, and after their intervention, it was established that no individual could withdraw money from that account,” he stated.
Hon. Excellence revealed that the total amount allegedly deducted stood at about ₦128 million, with deductions made from funds belonging to both Idheze and Oleh communities.
He added that the communities were informed the deductions were meant for an “intervention project,” even though such a project already had a budget allocation and was still ongoing.
“With the PIA now in force, how can such deductions be made from our funds?” he asked. “We are demanding a refund because communities like Palace Community and Eviehwo Quarters are key stakeholders. When funds are taken without their consent, they are entitled to ask questions. It is clear that the deductions were made by the settlor at source.”
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