Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Emadeb Exploration and Production (E&P) Limited, a subsidiary of Emadeb Energy Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling all obligations to the Emadeb-Eastern Obolo-Ibeno Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
As it advances its stakeholder engagement on its Ibom Field operations on PPL 236, the company noted that it would continue to uphold the highest standards of openness in its relations with the host community.
The assurance was given in Uyo by the Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Group, Mr Debo Olujimi, and the Managing Director of Emadeb E&P, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, during an inaugural engagement with members of the Board of Trustees of the HCDT.
The seven-member board of trustees chaired by Mr Dominic Ekpe, was inaugurated in April 2026 pursuant to the provisions of the PIA, with the meeting marking Emadeb E&P’s first formal engagement with the Trust since its establishment.
Speaking during the session, Olujimi said Emadeb E&P would conduct its operations responsibly and in the best interest of the host communities of Eastern Obolo and Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, and by extension the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He pledged that the company would engage the Trust with integrity, transparency and an open mind, and sought the board’s cooperation in strengthening its administrative structures as the company finalises the requirements of its operational licence.
Olujimi said: “We know that what we have come to do in Eastern Obolo and Ibeno communities is for the betterment of these communities, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. I want you to rest assured that Emadeb E&P will do the needful.
“Deep offshore exploration is a highly technical and capital-intensive endeavour, and by God’s grace we have successfully completed that phase. It is now time to work together in line with the plans we had already emplaced. We are all fully on board.”
Emadeb E&P reiterated that the host communities development trust remains central to its community relations strategy and said it would continue to work closely with the board of trustees and host communities to ensure sustainable development and shared prosperity.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ekpe, expressed appreciation to the CEO of Emadeb Energy Group for prioritising the engagement. He requested the company’s support for the Trust’s operational take-off, including the provision of administrative infrastructure and requisite funding.
As part of the stakeholder engagement, the Emadeb E&P delegation also paid separate visits to the paramount ruler of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Harry John Etetor, as well as the paramount ruler of Ibeno, Effiong Bassey Archianga.
Olujimi assured both traditional institutions that Emadeb E&P would remain responsive to its corporate social responsibility commitments and would discharge every obligation stipulated under the PIA for host communities.
In their separate comments, the monarchs commended the delegation for the visit and offered prayers for the success and safety of the company’s operations in their domains.
Emadeb Exploration E&P holds interests in PPL 236, a shallow-water marginal field located about 30 kilometres offshore in a water depth of roughly 20 metres in Akwa Ibom.
