A development advocate and Executive Director of DiamondHeart Initiatives Ltd/GTE, Ikechukwu Norbert, has called on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to make Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments compulsory for companies recently awarded 37 new oil blocks.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Norbert described the latest licensing round as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector but stressed that it should also mark the beginning of a new era of responsible resource governance.
He said the award of the oil blocks presents an opportunity for the Federal Government and industry regulators to ensure that host communities benefit directly from petroleum exploration through sustainable development initiatives.
According to him, for decades, communities in Nigeria’s oil-producing areas have contributed immensely to the nation’s economy while bearing the burden of environmental degradation, poor infrastructure, unemployment, inadequate healthcare and limited economic opportunities.
“The success of the licensing round should not be measured only by the number of licences awarded or the revenue generated, but also by whether the companies become genuine partners in the development of their host communities,” he said.
Norbert urged the NUPRC to include measurable CSR and ESG obligations as part of licence agreements and pre-operational requirements, insisting that companies should not commence operations without presenting comprehensive Host Community Development Strategies.
He said such strategies should provide clear commitments to investments in education, healthcare, clean water, youth and women empowerment, skills acquisition, environmental protection, local employment, enterprise development and sustainable livelihoods.
The humanitarian advocate also called for periodic ESG reporting and independent compliance assessments to promote transparency, accountability and stronger regulatory oversight.
He noted that CSR and ESG should not be viewed as acts of corporate charity but as strategic investments capable of fostering peace, business continuity and stronger relationships between operators and host communities.
Norbert said companies that build trust and deliver tangible benefits to host communities are less likely to face disputes, disruptions and operational setbacks.
He acknowledged that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has established a framework for improving engagement between oil companies and host communities but maintained that its objectives can only be achieved through effective implementation and enforcement.
He further argued that the true impact of the newly awarded oil blocks should be measured not only in crude oil production and government revenue but also in improved schools, healthcare facilities, roads, access to potable water, environmental restoration, thriving local businesses and expanded opportunities for young people.
Norbert said the 2026 licensing round offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to establish a petroleum industry where commercial success is driven by corporate responsibility, environmental stewardship and inclusive community development.
He urged regulators to ensure that the latest oil block awards leave behind a legacy of shared prosperity for government, investors and host communities, declaring that “there must be no more business as usual” in Nigeria’s extractive sector.
