Policy Alert

This week in Port Harcourt, Policy Alert launched the inaugural edition of the Host Communities’ Development Index (HCDI) 2026. The report captures a pilot assessment of 18 Trusts across Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.

The Index was presented during the Host Communities Development Forum, which brought together key stakeholders from Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) from Akwa Ibom and Rivers State, CSO's, Development partners, regulators, companies, and other relevant stakeholders. The following key findings were shared :

Weak Governance structures, inconsistent funding, and poor transparency are blocking real development for oil producing communities.

Women exclusion is rife: Most Trusts invest in gender-focused programmes, but still exclude women from actual decision-making. Only one Trust (Foursome HCDT) had up to 40% women on its Board.

Poor performance on environmental sustainability and energy transition readiness in most trusts.

The PIA promised host communities a fair share of the wealth extracted from their land. This Index shows that promise is still largely unfulfilled.

A key recommendation shared was that PIA regulations on Host Communities must be reformed to require mandatory board quotas for women and minimum budgetary commitments to women-led projects.

Highlight of the event was unveiling of the HCDI 2026 and recognition of outstanding HCDTs.

Dear Citizens,

returns today airing in two locations, Uyo and Portharcourt, however at different times.

For episode 23, our respective guests, Ngozi Anyanwu, Executive Director of Ududu Development and Peace Initiative, and Esther Eyakndue, a Legal practitioner,

will be examining "Accountability After Projects : Measuring Impact of Women- Focused Interventions".

Listen live to the conversation on 91.7 Wave FM Portharcourt, by 12:30 pm.

You can also be a part of the discussion on Xl1069.fm Uyo, by 7:30pm tonight!