Ibom Minerals, Energy & Maritime Professionals Association - Imempa

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Ibom Minerals, Energy & Maritime Professionals Association - Imempa Executive Summary

The Ibom Minerals, Energy & Maritime Professionals Association (IMEMPA) is an NGO

IMEMPA LEADS HIGH-LEVEL DIPLOMATIC AND STAKEHOLDER DRIVE TO REVIVE ALSCON AS NIGERIAN ENVOY TO RUSSIA VISITS AKWA IBOM O...
26/05/2026

IMEMPA LEADS HIGH-LEVEL DIPLOMATIC AND STAKEHOLDER DRIVE TO REVIVE ALSCON AS NIGERIAN ENVOY TO RUSSIA VISITS AKWA IBOM ON 22ND MAY, 2026

In continuation of the Ibom Minerals, Energy & Maritime Professionals Association, IMEMPA’s sustained efforts toward the resuscitation of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria ALSCON, Engr. Victor Udom the Executive Secretary of IMEMPA, and Engr. Pius Ebong, Vice President, Solid Minerals & Renewable Energy, undertook an official assignment to Abuja to engage relevant Federal Government offices and institutions connected to the revival of ALSCON.

The IMEMPA delegation were mandated by its President Engr. Anthony Akpan a retired zonal manager in Total to seek for appointment to engage all relevant agencies and stakeholders wherever they may be located.

During the course of the assignment, the following Ministries, Agencies, and Government Institutions were visited to secure appointments for strategic engagements;
Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)
Federal Ministry of Steel Development
Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development
Federal Ministry of Justice
Senate Committee on Solid Minerals.

In the course of carrying out these strategic assignment in Abuja, the IMEMPA delegation was introduced to the newly appointed Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency Ambassador Joseph Olusola Iji, who was at the time conducting a fact-finding mission on Russian business and commercial interests in Nigeria ahead of his formal resumption of duty in Moscow.

Following detailed professional briefings presented by IMEMPA representatives on the economic, industrial, diplomatic, and strategic importance of ALSCON, the Ambassador was sufficiently convinced of the urgent need for renewed intervention toward the revival of the plant. Consequently, His Excellency accepted IMEMPA’s invitation to undertake an official visit to Akwa Ibom State in order to personally ascertain the true operational condition of ALSCON and engage relevant stakeholders directly.

The entire facilitation, logistics coordination, protocol arrangements, and stakeholder engagements associated with the visit were borne and coordinated by IMEMPA. As part of preparations for the visit, the Association also reached out to critical stakeholders connected to ALSCON, including BFIG, RUSAL-ALSCON, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and Ikpa Ibekwe Host Community representatives, among others, all of whom actively participated in the engagements.

During the Ambassador’s three-day visit to Akwa Ibom State from 19th – 21st May 2026, IMEMPA facilitated several strategic meetings and interactive sessions between the Ambassador’s delegation and the following stakeholders:
Akwa Ibom State Government (represented by AKICORP)
RUSAL-ALSCON Management, Ikot Abasi, IKPA IBEKWE CLAN (led by the Clan Head-in-Council, Etebom Akpan Nelson Inyang),
BFIG Team (led by its Chairman, Dr. Reuben Jaja).

The engagements provided a rare opportunity for open discussions and constructive interactions among major stakeholders. Useful deliberations were held regarding possible pathways toward amicable settlement of all lingering disputes surrounding ALSCON, in the interest of participating stakeholders.

One of the major highlights of the visit was the interaction with host community stakeholders convened at the Palace of the Clan Head of Ikpa Ibekwe Clan. The gathering comprised representatives from the twelve gazetted villages and four additional yet-to-be gazetted sub-villages within the host community.

Community representatives took turns to passionately lament the prolonged moribund state of ALSCON, which has persisted for well over a decade, with severe socio-economic consequences on the host communities, Akwa Ibom State, and the nation at large. The stakeholders highlighted the collapse of economic activities, unemployment, youth restiveness, decline in local businesses, and loss of industrial opportunities associated with the shutdown of the smelter plant.

His Royal Highness, Etebom Akpan Nelson Inyang, personally appealed to the Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency Ambassador Joseph Olusola Iji, to convey the plight and aspirations of the host communities to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, and to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Royal Father specifically appealed for urgent intervention toward the speedy resuscitation of ALSCON and subsequent consideration of the host communities in the future ownership and stakeholder structure of the company.

The visit also afforded the Ambassador the opportunity to extract firsthand information from all major stakeholders regarding the principal challenges currently hindering the reopening and sustainable operation of ALSCON.
At the conclusion of the engagements, the Ambassador, who represented the Federal Government of Nigeria during the visit, expressed satisfaction with IMEMPA’s efforts and commitment toward facilitating constructive stakeholder dialogue around ALSCON revival.

His Excellency further assured stakeholders that he would convey credible information on the current status of ALSCON, possible strategies for restarting the plant, and recommendations on future ownership structure and dispute resolution mechanisms to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for necessary consideration and positive action.

The Ambassador and members of his entourage were also availed the warm hospitality for which Akwa Ibom State is widely known and were accommodated at one of the leading hospitality establishments in Uyo — CEEDAPEG Hotels and Suites.

The delegation subsequently departed Uyo for Abuja on 21st May 2026 with renewed optimism regarding the future of ALSCON and the growing strategic relationship between IMEMPA and the Embassy of Nigeria in the Russian Federation.
IMEMPA notes that the success of the entire engagement exercise was made possible through the visionary leadership, commitment, and unwavering support of the Association’s President, Engr. Anthony U. Akpan, Dr. David Udoma-Michaels, Mr. Asuquo Antai and other members of the Board of Directors chaired by Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas whose guidance and encouragement provided the necessary institutional backing for the initiative.

A comprehensive report containing IMEMPA’s recommendations and proposed roadmap for ALSCON revival will subsequently be transmitted to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through the office of the Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, for further engagement and necessary action.

IMEMPA LEADS HIGH-LEVEL DIPLOMATIC AND STAKEHOLDER DRIVE TO REVIVE ALSCON AS NIGERIAN ENVOY TO RUSSIA VISITS AKWA IBOM O...
24/05/2026

IMEMPA LEADS HIGH-LEVEL DIPLOMATIC AND STAKEHOLDER DRIVE TO REVIVE ALSCON AS NIGERIAN ENVOY TO RUSSIA VISITS AKWA IBOM ON 22ND MAY, 2026

In continuation of the Ibom Minerals, Energy & Maritime Professionals Association, IMEMPA’s sustained efforts toward the resuscitation of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria ALSCON, Engr. Victor Udom the Executive Secretary of IMEMPA, and Engr. Pius Ebong, Vice President, Solid Minerals & Renewable Energy, undertook an official assignment to Abuja to engage relevant Federal Government offices and institutions connected to the revival of ALSCON.

The IMEMPA delegation were mandated by its President Engr. Anthony Akpan a retired zonal manager in Total to seek for appointment to engage all relevant agencies and stakeholders wherever they may be located.

During the course of the assignment, the following Ministries, Agencies, and Government Institutions were visited to secure appointments for strategic engagements;
Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)
Federal Ministry of Steel Development
Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development
Federal Ministry of Justice
Senate Committee on Solid Minerals.

In the course of carrying out these strategic assignment in Abuja, the IMEMPA delegation was introduced to the newly appointed Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency Ambassador Joseph Olusola Iji, who was at the time conducting a fact-finding mission on Russian business and commercial interests in Nigeria ahead of his formal resumption of duty in Moscow.

Following detailed professional briefings presented by IMEMPA representatives on the economic, industrial, diplomatic, and strategic importance of ALSCON, the Ambassador was sufficiently convinced of the urgent need for renewed intervention toward the revival of the plant. Consequently, His Excellency accepted IMEMPA’s invitation to undertake an official visit to Akwa Ibom State in order to personally ascertain the true operational condition of ALSCON and engage relevant stakeholders directly.

The entire facilitation, logistics coordination, protocol arrangements, and stakeholder engagements associated with the visit were borne and coordinated by IMEMPA. As part of preparations for the visit, the Association also reached out to critical stakeholders connected to ALSCON, including BFIG, RUSAL-ALSCON, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and Ikpa Ibekwe Host Community representatives, among others, all of whom actively participated in the engagements.

During the Ambassador’s three-day visit to Akwa Ibom State from 19th – 21st May 2026, IMEMPA facilitated several strategic meetings and interactive sessions between the Ambassador’s delegation and the following stakeholders:
Akwa Ibom State Government (represented by AKICORP)
RUSAL-ALSCON Management, Ikot Abasi, IKPA IBEKWE CLAN (led by the Clan Head-in-Council, Etebom Akpan Nelson Inyang),
BFIG Team (led by its Chairman, Dr. Reuben Jaja).

The engagements provided a rare opportunity for open discussions and constructive interactions among major stakeholders. Useful deliberations were held regarding possible pathways toward amicable settlement of all lingering disputes surrounding ALSCON, in the interest of participating stakeholders.

One of the major highlights of the visit was the interaction with host community stakeholders convened at the Palace of the Clan Head of Ikpa Ibekwe Clan. The gathering comprised representatives from the twelve gazetted villages and four additional yet-to-be gazetted sub-villages within the host community.

Community representatives took turns to passionately lament the prolonged moribund state of ALSCON, which has persisted for well over a decade, with severe socio-economic consequences on the host communities, Akwa Ibom State, and the nation at large. The stakeholders highlighted the collapse of economic activities, unemployment, youth restiveness, decline in local businesses, and loss of industrial opportunities associated with the shutdown of the smelter plant.

His Royal Highness, Etebom Akpan Nelson Inyang, personally appealed to the Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency Ambassador Joseph Olusola Iji, to convey the plight and aspirations of the host communities to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, and to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Royal Father specifically appealed for urgent intervention toward the speedy resuscitation of ALSCON and subsequent consideration of the host communities in the future ownership and stakeholder structure of the company.

The visit also afforded the Ambassador the opportunity to extract firsthand information from all major stakeholders regarding the principal challenges currently hindering the reopening and sustainable operation of ALSCON.
At the conclusion of the engagements, the Ambassador, who represented the Federal Government of Nigeria during the visit, expressed satisfaction with IMEMPA’s efforts and commitment toward facilitating constructive stakeholder dialogue around ALSCON revival.

His Excellency further assured stakeholders that he would convey credible information on the current status of ALSCON, possible strategies for restarting the plant, and recommendations on future ownership structure and dispute resolution mechanisms to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for necessary consideration and positive action.

The Ambassador and members of his entourage were also availed the warm hospitality for which Akwa Ibom State is widely known and were accommodated at one of the leading hospitality establishments in Uyo — CEEDAPEG Hotels and Suites.

The delegation subsequently departed Uyo for Abuja on 21st May 2026 with renewed optimism regarding the future of ALSCON and the growing strategic relationship between IMEMPA and the Embassy of Nigeria in the Russian Federation.
IMEMPA notes that the success of the entire engagement exercise was made possible through the visionary leadership, commitment, and unwavering support of the Association’s President, Engr. Anthony U. Akpan, Dr. David Udoma-Michaels, Mr. Asuquo Antai and other members of the Board of Directors chaired by Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas whose guidance and encouragement provided the necessary institutional backing for the initiative.

A comprehensive report containing IMEMPA’s recommendations and proposed roadmap for ALSCON revival will subsequently be transmitted to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through the office of the Nigerian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, for further engagement and necessary action.

IMEMPA Advocates stronger Policy Framework for HCDT Collaboration at "SYNERGY 2026" in IbenoThe Ibom Minerals, Energy & ...
19/03/2026

IMEMPA Advocates stronger Policy Framework for HCDT Collaboration at "SYNERGY 2026" in Ibeno

The Ibom Minerals, Energy & Maritime Professionals Association (IMEMPA) has called for stronger institutional collaboration, improved regulatory compliance, and coordinated policy frameworks among Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) operating in Ibeno Local Government Area to fully harness the development opportunities created by the Petroleum Industry Act.

The call was made during “SYNERGY 2026,” the first joint meeting of Host Community Development Trusts in Ibeno, held on March 9, 2026. The landmark gathering was organized by the SEPLAT/NNPC Host Community Development Trust and brought together stakeholders from across government, industry, and host communities to chart a coordinated path for sustainable development.

The meeting aimed to deepen understanding of the PIA provisions relating to host communities, encourage collaboration among the trusts, reduce duplication of development projects, and strengthen the implementation of community-focused initiatives across oil-producing communities in Ibeno.

Broad Stakeholder Participation
The event attracted chairmen and representatives of the six Host Community Development Trusts operating within the local government area, alongside government officials, community leaders, and development stakeholders.

Among the notable dignitaries present were Hon. Thomas Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the MPN (Seplat)/NNPC HCDT and coordinating chairman of all HCDT BoT chairmen in Ibeno; Dr. David Udoma-Michaels, IMEMPA Vice President (Local Content Development & HSE); Engr. Victor Udom, Executive Secretary of IMEMPA; Hon. Friday Udobia, member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency.

Also in attendance were Hon. Ikoedem, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning in Akwa Ibom State, as well as a representative of the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council.

Representatives of several Host Community Development Trusts—including IFUN HCDT, PIA Ibeno HCDT, Mbuotidem/Ayim Ibeno HCDT, Seplat HCDT, Oil Mining Lease 13 HCDT, Tom Short Bank HCDT, and Oando HCDT—also participated in the meeting.

Call for Transparency and Accountability:
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the SEPLAT/NNPC HCDT, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas, who also serves as the coordinating chairman of all HCDTs in Ibeno, welcomed participants and commended the trusts for embracing collaboration in pursuit of the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act.

He noted that the PIA provides a historic opportunity for host communities to assume greater responsibility for their development through structured trust funds, stressing that transparency, accountability, and integrity must guide the management of these resources.

According to him, improved coordination among the trusts would strengthen project implementation and help prevent conflicts and duplication of development initiatives across host communities.

The Pioneer
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IMEMPA Advocates Stronger Policy Framework for HCDT Collaboration at “SYNERGY 2026” in Ibeno
by Pioneer News March 18, 2026
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The Ibom Minerals, Energy & Maritime Professionals Association (IMEMPA) has called for stronger institutional collaboration, improved regulatory compliance, and coordinated policy frameworks among Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) operating in Ibeno Local Government Area to fully harness the development opportunities created by the Petroleum Industry Act.

The call was made during “SYNERGY 2026,” the first joint meeting of Host Community Development Trusts in Ibeno, held on March 9, 2026. The landmark gathering was organized by the SEPLAT/NNPC Host Community Development Trust and brought together stakeholders from across government, industry, and host communities to chart a coordinated path for sustainable development.

The meeting aimed to deepen understanding of the PIA provisions relating to host communities, encourage collaboration among the trusts, reduce duplication of development projects, and strengthen the implementation of community-focused initiatives across oil-producing communities in Ibeno.

Broad Stakeholder Participation
The event attracted chairmen and representatives of the six Host Community Development Trusts operating within the local government area, alongside government officials, community leaders, and development stakeholders.

Among the notable dignitaries present were Hon. Thomas Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the MPN (Seplat)/NNPC HCDT and coordinating chairman of all HCDT BoT chairmen in Ibeno; Dr. David Udoma-Michaels, IMEMPA Vice President (Local Content Development & HSE); Engr. Victor Udom, Executive Secretary of IMEMPA; Hon. Friday Udobia, member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency.

Also in attendance were Hon. Ikoedem, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning in Akwa Ibom State, as well as a representative of the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council.

Representatives of several Host Community Development Trusts—including IFUN HCDT, PIA Ibeno HCDT, Mbuotidem/Ayim Ibeno HCDT, Seplat HCDT, Oil Mining Lease 13 HCDT, Tom Short Bank HCDT, and Oando HCDT—also participated in the meeting.

Call for Transparency and Accountability:
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the SEPLAT/NNPC HCDT, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas, who also serves as the coordinating chairman of all HCDTs in Ibeno, welcomed participants and commended the trusts for embracing collaboration in pursuit of the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act.

He noted that the PIA provides a historic opportunity for host communities to assume greater responsibility for their development through structured trust funds, stressing that transparency, accountability, and integrity must guide the management of these resources.

According to him, improved coordination among the trusts would strengthen project implementation and help prevent conflicts and duplication of development initiatives across host communities.

IMEMPA Leads Technical Session on PIA Opportunities:
A major highlight of the meeting was a technical session facilitated by IMEMPA representatives, Dr. David Udoma-Michaels and Engr. Victor Udom, titled “Understanding Opportunities under the PIA – Host Community Development Trust Framework.”

During the session, IMEMPA introduced a PIA Compliance Checklist and Self-Assessment Tool, comprising 20 evaluation questions designed to help the various trusts measure their level of compliance with key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

Participants from the different trusts undertook the assessment across five critical compliance areas, allowing stakeholders to identify existing regulatory gaps and areas requiring improvement.

The exercise served as a diagnostic tool for strengthening governance structures, improving regulatory compliance culture, and aligning the operations of the trusts with statutory requirements.

Blueprint for Stronger Collaboration:
Speaking during the session, IMEMPA Executive Secretary Victor Udom reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the objectives of the SYNERGY 2026 initiative.

He disclosed that IMEMPA would work towards developing a comprehensive operational blueprint aimed at strengthening collaboration among the various trusts and improving the delivery of development projects within host communities.

The proposed framework, he explained, would focus on addressing regulatory compliance gaps identified through the self-assessment exercise, providing technical support to trusts, and building stronger partnerships between HCDTs, government institutions, oil companies, and community stakeholders.

Key Recommendations:
To institutionalize collaboration and ensure efficient use of development resources, Victor Udom – IMEMPA ES proposed several strategic initiatives. These include the establishment of an Ibeno Development Coordination Council (IDCC) comprising HCDTs, regulatory agencies, oil and gas operators, the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Ibeno Local Government Council, community leaders, and civil society organizations.

Other recommendations include the organization of bi-annual joint coordination meetings of the trusts, the creation of a centralized digital project registry, and the development of an integrated development master plan covering priority sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, water and sanitation, economic empowerment, and environmental remediation.

IMEMPA also proposed the establishment of a transparency and disclosure portal to publicly track project approvals, budgets, contractors, and implementation status, as well as the introduction of a Project Non-Duplication Clearance Certificate to ensure development initiatives are properly coordinated.

Additional measures include Geographic Information System (GIS) project mapping to monitor project locations and identify underserved communities, as well as an independent monitoring and evaluation mechanism involving community representatives and technical organizations.

Toward Coordinated Development
Participants at the meeting unanimously agreed that stronger coordination among HCDTs would significantly improve the effectiveness of development projects in host communities.

They noted that improved governance standards, transparency, and collaborative planning would help ensure that the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, social services, and economic empowerment across oil-producing communities in Ibeno.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas emphasized that sustained synergy among the trusts would strengthen community representation, enhance project coordination, and ultimately deliver more impactful development outcomes for the people of Ibeno.

IMEMPA Advocates Stronger Policy Framework for HCDT Collaboration at “SYNERGY 2026” in IbenoIbeno, Akwa Ibom State – Mar...
13/03/2026

IMEMPA Advocates Stronger Policy Framework for HCDT Collaboration at “SYNERGY 2026” in Ibeno

Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State – March 9, 2026

The Ibom Minerals, Energy and Maritime Professionals Association (IMEMPA) has called for stronger institutional collaboration, improved regulatory compliance, and a coordinated policy framework among Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) operating in Ibeno Local Government Area to maximize the development opportunities provided under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The call was made during “SYNERGY 2026,” the First Joint Meeting of all Host Community Development Trusts in Ibeno, organized by the SEPLAT/NNPC Host Community Development Trust on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The meeting was convened to promote collaboration among the various trusts, deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act relating to host communities, reduce duplication of development projects, and develop strategic approaches for the effective implementation of community development initiatives.

Stakeholders Converge in Ibeno

The historic gathering brought together chairmen and representatives of the six Host Community Development Trusts operating in Ibeno, alongside government officials, community leaders, and other key stakeholders within the oil and gas host community framework.

Among the dignitaries present were:

Hon. Thomas Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, MPN (Seplat)/NNPC HCDT and Chairman of all HCDT BoT Chairmen in Ibeno

Dr. David Udoma-Michaels, Representative of IMEMPA

Engr. Victor Udom, Executive Secretary of IMEMPA

Hon. Friday Udobia, Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency

Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Ette, Member representing Eket/Esit Eket/Onna Federal Constituency

Hon. Ikoedem, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning

A representative of the Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area

Representatives of several Host Community Development Trusts were also in attendance, including IFUN HCDT, PIA Ibeno HCDT, Mbuotidem/Ayim Ibeno HCDT, Seplat HCDT, Oil Mining Lease 13 HCDT, Tom Short Bank HCDT, and Oando HCDT.
Call for Transparency and Unity

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the SEPLAT/NNPC HCDT, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas, welcomed participants and commended the trusts for embracing collaboration toward achieving the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act.

He noted that the PIA provides a historic opportunity for host communities to take ownership of their development through structured trust funds and urged trustees to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of community resources.

Thomas further emphasized that stronger unity and coordination among the trusts would significantly enhance project implementation while minimizing conflicts and duplication of development initiatives across communities.

IMEMPA Leads Technical Session on PIA Opportunities

A major highlight of the meeting was a technical session facilitated by IMEMPA, led by Dr. David Udoma-Michaels and Engr. Victor Udom, titled “Understanding Opportunities under the PIA – Host Community Development Trust Framework.”

During the session, IMEMPA introduced a PIA Compliance Checklist and Self-Assessment Tool comprising 20 evaluation questions designed to help the various trusts assess their level of compliance with key regulatory provisions of the Act.

Participants completed the assessment across five critical compliance areas, enabling stakeholders to identify regulatory gaps and areas requiring improvement.

The exercise was widely commended by participants as a practical diagnostic tool for strengthening governance standards, improving compliance culture, and aligning trust operations with regulatory expectations.

IMEMPA Proposes Framework for Stronger Collaboration
Speaking during the session, Engr. Victor Udom, Executive Secretary of IMEMPA, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting the objectives of the SYNERGY 2026 initiative.

He disclosed that IMEMPA is working toward developing a comprehensive operational blueprint aimed at strengthening collaboration among HCDTs and improving the delivery of community development projects across Ibeno.

According to Udom, the proposed framework will focus on closing regulatory compliance gaps identified through the self-assessment exercise, providing technical support to trusts, and promoting synergy among HCDTs, government institutions, oil companies, and host communities.

Key Policy Recommendations

To institutionalize collaboration and prevent duplication of development initiatives, IMEMPA proposed several strategic measures, including:

Establishment of an Ibeno Development Coordination Council (IDCC) to coordinate development activities among HCDTs, government agencies, oil companies, and community stakeholders.

Bi-annual coordination meetings among the trusts to align development priorities.

Creation of a centralized digital registry of HCDT projects to track project location, funding, cost, contractors, and beneficiary communities.

Development of an Integrated Development Master Plan covering key sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, water and sanitation, economic empowerment, and environmental remediation.

Introduction of a Transparency and Disclosure Portal for public access to project and budget information.

Deployment of GIS-based project mapping to track development initiatives and identify underserved communities.

Establishment of an independent monitoring and evaluation mechanism involving community representatives and technical organizations.

Towards Coordinated Development in Host Communities
Participants at the meeting unanimously agreed that stronger coordination, improved governance, and greater transparency are essential to ensuring that the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act translate into tangible development outcomes for host communities.

The SYNERGY 2026 meeting was widely regarded as a landmark initiative that sets the foundation for a more coordinated and strategic approach to community development in Ibeno.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Samuel Ekpenyong Thomas emphasized that sustained synergy among the trusts would strengthen community representation, improve development planning, and deliver more impactful results for the people of Ibeno.

Ibom Minerals, Energy and Maritime Professionals Association (IMEMPA)

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Plot 141 Block 6 Ata Uyo Ekwere Street, Shelter Afrique
Uyo

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