UYO – The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) in Akwa Ibom has demanded for transparency and accountability in the management of Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) funds in the state.
The development trust funds, administered under the auspices of EMOIMEE, CHRAN insisted that, the people of the oil-producing communities deserve full disclosure on the utilization of the intervention funds.
Speaking with journalists shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court 2, Uyo Judicial Division, CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, maintained that, the Trust established pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, must render proper account of the 3 percent contribution from the actual annual operational expenditure (OPEX) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/Seplat Joint Venture.
The funds, according to him, are meant for the development and welfare of host communities in Eket, Esit Eket, Mbo, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas.
CHRAN, through its legal representatives, Chief Victor Iyanam, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State, alongside Chris Ibanga Esq., had instituted Suit No: FHC/CS/10/2026 against EMOIMEE Eket Branch pursuant to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, seeking detailed information on the management and execution of projects in the affected communities.
The matter, which came up before Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court 2, Uyo, could not proceed following the transfer of the presiding judge to the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court. The case was consequently adjourned pending the assignment of a new hearing date.
CHRAN disclosed that prior to the legal action, it had formally written to EMOIMEE Eket Branch on November 19, 2025, requesting information on projects executed within Eket Local Government Area, scholarship beneficiaries, contractors engaged by the organization with copies of their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration certificates, as well as other community-based interventions carried out since inception.
The organization, however, alleged that the requested information was not made available, prompting the resort to legal action in line with the provisions of the FOI Act.
The defendants in the suit include Air Commodore Charles Usoh (Rtd.) and the Board of Trustees of the NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture.
Otuekong Isong further revealed that following complaints from residents of Esit Eket, Mbo, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo over alleged lack of transparency in the administration of the trust funds, CHRAN has extended similar Freedom of Information requests to EMOIMEE branches in the affected local government areas.
He stressed that host communities have the constitutional and legal right to know how funds meant for their development are being managed and expended.
