NUPRC Oversees Transfer of OLO Oilfield Community Trust to Aradel

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said it has completed the formal transfer of the OLO Oilfield Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) from TotalEnergies to Aradel Holdings Plc, as required under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The handover ceremony took place at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where officials of NUPRC, executives of both companies and representatives of the OLO host community finalised the transition of settlor responsibilities. The commission said the process is intended to protect continuity in community development projects during a change of operatorship.

In a statement issued by NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, the regulator said the trust structure remains in place and existing obligations are being carried forward under the new operator. The commission said the transfer reflects the legal framework of the PIA, which requires operators to contribute 3 per cent of their previous year’s operating expenditure to host community development.

NUPRC said that between 2023 and 2025, the OLO HCDT delivered more than 100 projects across water supply, electricity, roads, education and healthcare. It added that about 40 more projects are ongoing and that the interventions have reached over 25,000 residents in affected communities.

TotalEnergies previously operated the Olo/Olo West Marginal Field in the former OML 58 in the Eastern Niger Delta before Aradel Holdings acquired the asset. NUPRC said the transfer of settlor responsibilities is therefore a required legal step tied to the ownership change.

According to the regulator, TotalEnergies confirmed that all obligations due up to the transfer date were met and that there are no outstanding liabilities linked to that period. Aradel has now assumed full responsibility, with regulatory consent already granted by the commission.

At the event, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Capt. John Tonlagha, said the OLO HCDT remains intact and its governance structure has been preserved. He said statutory funding obligations have moved to the new settlor in line with the intent of the PIA.

Tonlagha said the commission will maintain consistent oversight to ensure operators comply fully with the law for the benefit of host communities and the wider industry.

General Manager, Community Affairs, Projects and Development at TotalEnergies, Dornu Kogam, said Aradel should sustain a transparent and community-focused approach as projects continue.

Community Affairs Manager at Aradel Holdings Plc, Mr. Blessyn Okpowo, said the company will honour all PIA obligations and continue the engagement approach established by TotalEnergies.

Chairman of the OLO host community Board of Trustees, Mr. Wale Godwin, said the trust has delivered 118 projects out of 160 planned. He also acknowledged the commission’s role in approving the Community Development Plan before projects begin.