PIA: KEFFESO HCDT Achieves 78 % Project Execution, Strengthens Governance
The KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust recorded significant progress in governance, financial oversight and infrastructure delivery in 2025, achieving a 78 per cent project execution rate.
Dr Matthew Sele-Epri, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, disclosed this at the Trust’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday in Yenagoa.
The AGM was themed: “Stewardship Today, Transformation Tomorrow: Delivering Sustainable Value Through Transparency and Impact.”
Sele-Epri said the Board strengthened oversight through statutory meetings and enhanced its Programmes Oversight, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Finance, Accounts, Audit and Risk Management committees.
He said the Trust registered with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and appointed Forvis Mazars as external auditor following a selection process.
Additionally, Vetiva Capital and FBNQuest were appointed to manage approved naira and dollar reserve investments.
The Chairman of the Board, HRH Moses Theophilus, stated that all four legacy concrete-road projects inherited from the GMoU framework were completed.
Theophilus noted that five solar-powered industrial boreholes were delivered, water facilities in four communities were maintained, and 2025 community projects advanced beyond procurement.
He added that the Trust supported 258 education, health and water-service personnel, profiled 229 persons living with disabilities, and enrolled 40 youths in technical initiatives.
Highlighting social investments, Theophilus commended FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Ltd. (FIRST E&P) for a medical outreach that benefited 3,871 persons and distributed 916 eyeglasses.
He also cited the K-yan digital education initiative, implemented alongside the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
The chairman acknowledged challenges in procurement timelines and contractor performance, emphasizing the need for firmer compliance and early risk escalation.
Mrs Anita Osagie, representing FIRST E&P’s Managing Director, lauded the Trust’s 78 per cent execution rate and its receipt of the Host Community Human Capacity Development Excellence Award.
Osagie reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable development, healthcare and education in host communities, urging local stakeholders to protect and own the investments.
KEFFESO is an acronym for Koluama, Ezetu, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, Sangana and Opu-Okumbiri/Okumbiribeleu/Oginibiri communities under the NNPC Ltd./FIRST E&P Joint Venture operating PML
53 and PML 54.
