To achieve a timely and seamless transition from the current community engagement process to the implementation of the requirements of Host Community Development section of the PIA, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) contracted New Nigeria Foundation (NNF) in collaboration with Participatory Partnerships for Community Development (PPCD) to provide technical support to its process of transitioning from its current community engagement process to the process described in Chapter 3 of the PIA. The transition process is to take cognizance of the deadlines and deliverables instituted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Two key technical support components are to carry out needs assessments in CNL communities and come up with development plans to deliver sustainable development outcomes to target communities.
New Nigeria Foundation conducted the needs assessment and developed Community development plans (CDPs) in Egbema OPUDIS, Ugboland, Agbonu – Ogulagha – Ibe, and Warri Kingdom Coastal Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).
The process for Agbonu-Ogulagha-Ibe Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) commenced with a planning meeting on 15th January 2024. The meeting involved 20 participants from the HCDT, NUIMS, CNL, and NNF/PPCD to outline the fieldwork. The needs assessment commenced on January 22, 2024, using a participatory multi-stakeholder approach to collect both qualitative and quantitative data through 21 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), 42 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and the administration of 300 questionnaires, engaging diverse community members. An analysis workshop was held on February 15-16, 2024, in Warri, with 29 participants who reviewed the data and identified cross-cutting projects. The reports and CDPs produced from this exercise were validated on March 13-14, 2024, at a multi-stakeholder meeting in the respective communities.
The procedure towards the community development plan for Ugboland Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) also commenced with a planning meeting on November 30, 2024, involving 20 participants from HCDT, NUPRC, CNL, and NNF/PPCD. The needs assessment exercise was conducted from February 5-10, 2024. Through a participatory multi-stakeholder approach qualitative data were gathered using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and transect walks, engaging various community members and key stakeholders, including the Olugbo of Ugboland and over 40 Baales. Quantitative data was collected via questionnaires at strategic locations, including ward headquarters, schools, health centers, and the Olugbo’s palace. In an analysis workshop held on March 14-15, 2024, in Akure, 23 participants reviewed the collected data and achieved consensus on prioritized regional projects for the community.
The planning meeting for Egbema Opudis Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) was held on Thursday, January 18, 2024. It involved 25 participants from HCDT, NUIMS, CNL, and NNF/PPCD. Necessary resources and plans to start the needs assessment were discussed. From February 19-22, 2024, the team conducted qualitative and quantitative data collection using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and transect walks, engaging men, women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, as well as chiefs, community leaders, teachers, and health center staff. The data collection took place in community town halls and other central locations. An analysis workshop which was held on April 8-9, 2024, in Warri, with 29 participants, led to a consensus on prioritized cross-cutting and regional projects.
The Warri Kingdom Coastal Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) communities assessment was held from March 20-27, 2024 utilizing the same approach in data gathering. The data collection process included key stakeholder groups such as traditional leaders, opinion leaders, women’s groups, men’s groups, youth groups, heads of schools, teachers, and health center staff. Quantitative data was also gathered through questionnaires administered across various blocs of communities. Team members also applied transect walks to explore the communities and assess the location, distribution, and status of resources and infrastructure.
