Accugas Limited, the Nigerian midstream subsidiary of Savannah Energy PLC, has made history by inaugurating the Board of Trustees of its Host Communities Development Trust. This milestone marks the first time a midstream company in Nigeria has established such a trust. The inauguration was announced on September 22, 2026, and signifies a major development in Accugas' engagement with its host communities across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
The Host Communities Development Trust was established under the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. According to Accugas, the Trust aims to provide a structured and sustainable platform for host communities to identify and prioritize their development needs. The Trust will also enable communities to participate in implementing projects that address their needs. This initiative is part of Accugas' efforts to build on its longstanding support for host communities in areas such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructure.
Nkoyo Etuk, Savannah's Head of Stakeholder Relations and Regional Manager, Nigeria, emphasized that the Trust would give communities greater responsibility, ownership, and participation in development activities. Etuk stressed that Accugas' long-term success is closely linked to the wellbeing, stability, and development of its host communities. The company's sustainability strategy, under the pillar "Promoting Socio-economic Prosperity," aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty reduction, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Cynthia Nzeh, Senior Manager, Host Community Development Trust, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, commended Accugas for this initiative. Nzeh urged the trustees to operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that projects reflect the needs and priorities of the communities. The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, also commended Accugas for incorporating communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States into its development agenda.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Bassey Itama Abang, pledged to work with Accugas, community leaders, and other stakeholders to implement projects that reflect community priorities. Abang emphasized that the board is not a contract-awarding institution but is responsible for ensuring that the Trust delivers meaningful and sustainable development outcomes. The board's inauguration marks a significant step towards promoting socio-economic prosperity in host communities.
The inauguration of the Host Communities Development Trust has been hailed as an important milestone by stakeholders. The Trust is expected to play a crucial role in promoting community development and participation in the implementation of projects that address the needs of host communities. Accugas' initiative is seen as a model for other companies in the midstream sector to follow.
The establishment of the Host Communities Development Trust demonstrates Accugas' commitment to its host communities and its efforts to contribute to their socio-economic development. The company's sustainability strategy is focused on promoting socio-economic prosperity, and the Trust is a key component of this strategy. With the Trust's inauguration, Accugas has taken a significant step towards ensuring that its operations have a positive impact on the communities it operates in.
Key points
- Accugas Limited has inaugurated the Board of Trustees of its Host Communities Development Trust, becoming the first midstream company in Nigeria to do so.
- The Trust aims to provide a structured and sustainable platform for host communities to identify and prioritize their development needs.
- The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty reduction, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
