This topic considers the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework established by the Petroleum Industry Act for developing communities in Nigeria's oil and gas-producing communities. The PIA introduced the HCDT as a uniform host community benefit management system to replace the old agreement-based systems (Memorandum of Understanding/Global Memorandum of Understanding (MOU/GMOU) implemented in line with each company’s Corporate Social Responsibility policies. Under the PIA, the settlors (leaseholders of oil and gas assets) are responsible for incorporating the Trusts to benefit their host communities. Many Trusts have been incorporated and are in the process of commencing operations. The PIA stipulates that the primary purpose of the HCDTs is to “foster sustainable prosperity” in host communities. This phrase was not defined in the Act. However, the establishment of HCDTs in the Nigerian petroleum industry to manage host communities' development expectations is new to Nigeria. This raises some questions about the utility of the framework, operability, effectiveness, etc.