On August 16th, 2021, a new dawn broke for oil-producing communities in Nigeria with the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) into law. This landmark legislation reshaped how communities within petroleum mining areas would be supported, empowered, and included in the nation’s energy story. For the communities once known simply as KEFFES, an acronym representing a cluster of host communities, the PIA was more than a policy change. It signaled growth, unity, and recognition. Following the enactment of the Act, three new communities Opu-Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu, and Oginibiri were formally recognized and added to the fold. In honour of this expanded representation, the acronym was updated to KEFFESO, with the “O” symbolizing the newly included communities and the spirit of oneness that now binds them all.

But in 2023, something changed.
Established in accordance with the PIA, the Trust is a not-for-profit, non-political institution built to serve. It operates under a governing constitution and carries the critical responsibility of implementing the KEFFESO host communities’ development plan. At its core, the Trust is committed to managing community assets and funds with transparency, efficiency, and competence, ensuring that the people benefit directly from the resources drawn from their land.