The KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) to enhance institutional capacity and promote sustainable community-led development. This partnership aims to translate community priorities into development initiatives that deliver lasting social and economic value. By combining KEFFESO HCDT's knowledge of its communities with PIND's technical expertise and development experience, the Trust seeks to create a robust framework for sustainable development.
The signing ceremony, which took place on October 1, 2026, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HRH Theophilus Moses. He emphasized that the partnership is a significant step towards strengthening the Trust's capacity to deliver on its mandate. Moses acknowledged PIND's contributions to development in the Niger Delta and expressed confidence that the collaboration would support better program design, stronger implementation practices, and broader opportunities for the Trust's communities.
Under the MoU, KHCDT and PIND will explore collaboration in technical and vocational training linked to employment and entrepreneurship, clean-energy solutions for households and enterprises, and knowledge sharing among Host Community Development Trusts. The partnership will also support the documentation of lessons and the use of evidence to inform future development initiatives. This collaborative approach is expected to ensure that initiatives respond to local needs and support sustainable outcomes.
The partnership will see KHCDT lead the identification of community priorities, stakeholder engagement, and community ownership, while PIND will provide technical advice, program design support, and access to its partner networks. PIND Executive Director, Sam Ogbemi Daibo, highlighted the importance of development investments that reflect community priorities and create lasting opportunities. He emphasized that by combining KEFFESO's knowledge of its communities with PIND's technical experience and partner networks, practical approaches to employment, enterprise, and energy access can be developed.
Since commencing operations in July 2024, KHCDT has completed 20 infrastructure projects across its host communities and initiated processes for 11 additional projects scheduled for 2026. The partnership with PIND builds on this progress and complements the support provided by the Trust's settlor, FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), and its technical consultant, Rex and Rhema Consulting Limited.
Established under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, KHCDT serves 11 host communities: Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Ezetu 1, Ezetu 2, Foropa, Fishtown, Ekeni, Sangana, Opu-Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu, and Oginibiri. It is the Host Community Development Trust of the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P Joint Venture, operator of PML 53 and 54. Through this partnership, KHCDT reaffirms its commitment to strategic collaboration, inclusive development, and community ownership as foundations for delivering sustainable value across its host communities.
The partnership between KEFFESO HCDT and PIND is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the people in the host communities. By working together, the two organizations aim to create a model for sustainable community development that can be replicated in other regions. The collaboration will also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for the goals.
Key points
- KEFFESO HCDT and PIND partner to advance sustainable community development in Nigeria.
- The partnership aims to strengthen institutional capacity and promote sustainable community-led development across KEFFESO HCDT's host communities.
- The collaboration will focus on technical and vocational training, clean-energy solutions, and knowledge sharing among Host Community Development Trusts.
