The Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group (NDBMG) has urged the National Assembly to pass legislation mandating that one percent of the three percent operating expenditure of oil and gas companies be dedicated to women’s empowerment initiatives in host communities.
This call to action highlights the urgent need to address the marginalization of women in these areas, who often face significant socio-economic and environmental challenges due to oil exploration and production activities.
The advocacy was made public in a communique following a government colloquium focused on Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act and the accompanying host communities fund.
The NDBMG emphasized that women in the Niger Delta encounter numerous obstacles, including limited access to economic opportunities, healthcare, and education.
“We advocate for laws that ensure a minimum of one percent of the three percent operating expenditure of oil and gas companies is allocated to women’s empowerment projects within host communities,” stated the group.
Additionally, the organization stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the execution of the Petroleum Industry Act. This includes calls for the public disclosure of all payments made by oil companies, detailed records of fund allocation and expenditures, and consistent audits of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund.
“The establishment of inclusive and participatory decision-making processes is crucial. Women must have a role in discussions regarding the allocation and management of funds from the Host Communities Development Trust,” the group asserted.
Furthermore, the NDBMG called for regular monitoring and evaluation of all three percent host community fund projects and initiatives. They emphasized that these efforts should align with the specific needs of the community, particularly those of women, to foster sustainable development across the region.
