The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has successfully facilitated the formal transfer of the Olo Oilfield Host Community Development Trust from TotalEnergies to Aradel Holdings, marking a key achievement in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and safeguarding host community interests during operator changes.
The ceremony took place at the NUPRC headquarters Friday 27, February 2026 in Abuja, attended by senior regulators, executives from both companies, and representatives of the Olo host communities in the Eastern Niger Delta. It completed the legal and operational shift of settlor responsibilities for the trust.
NUPRC Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, stated that the transition ensures continued funding and execution of community development initiatives following Aradel’s acquisition of the Olo/Olo West marginal field, formerly operated by TotalEnergies under OML 58.
Established under the PIA, the trust requires operators to contribute three per cent of their previous year’s operating expenditure to sustainable projects in host communities. From 2023 to 2025, it has delivered over 100 completed projects in water, electricity, roads, education, and healthcare, with about 40 more ongoing and more than 25,000 residents directly benefiting.
TotalEnergies confirmed all obligations were met up to the handover, with no outstanding liabilities. Aradel has assumed full settlor duties with NUPRC approval.
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Representing NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Commissioner Captain John Tonlagha emphasized that the PIA framework preserved the trust’s governance and ensured seamless funding continuity. “The Commission remains committed to rigorous oversight to promote trust and stability in the upstream sector,” he said.
TotalEnergies’ Dornu Kogam urged Aradel to sustain the transparent, inclusive engagement model that drove project success. Aradel’s Blessyn Okpowo pledged full compliance with PIA obligations and continuation of effective community dialogue.
Board Chairman Wale Godwin noted 118 of 160 planned projects completed, crediting NUPRC’s guidance and pre-approval processes for enhanced transparency and alignment with community needs.
The PIA’s host community mechanism addresses decades of grievances in oil-producing areas by mandating dedicated trusts and investments to reduce conflict, vandalism, and instability in the Niger Delta.
This orderly transition highlights growing confidence in Nigeria’s reformed regulatory framework and the importance of continuity during upstream asset changes.
