Section 251: Host communities needs.

1 The settlor shall after the grant of any licence or lease issued under this Act, conduct a needs assessment ("host communities needs assessment") in accordance with this Act and regulations made under this Act.

2 Each host communities needs assessment shall, from a social, environmental, and economic perspective —
a determine the specific needs of each affected host communities;
b ascertain the effect that the proposed petroleum operations might have on the host communities; and
c provide a strategy for addressing the needs and effects identified.

3 Each host communities needs assessment shall show that the settlor has —
a engaged with each affected host communities to understand the issues and needs of such host communities;
b consulted with and considered the reasonable concerns of women, youth and community leaders; and
c engaged with each affected host communities in developing a strategy to address the needs and effects identified in the applicable host communities needs assessment.

4 The settlor shall develop a host communities development plan and shall submit to the Commission or Authority, as the case may be, based on the findings of the host communities needs assessment, in order to undertake its oversight function preparatory to the establishment of the trust.