PIGB now on Buhari’s table, say lawmakers

The National Assembly yesterday in Abuja said the delay in the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) has been resolved and the bill transmitted to President Buhari for assent.

The bill, a fraction of a four-part Petroleum Industry Bill suffered setback after the House of Representatives and Senate passed it last month.

Speaking at the 9th Abuja District Conference of Rotary District 9125, Deputy Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee on Petroleum Industry Bills, Victor Nwokolo (PDP, Delta), who is also Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), stated that the bill was delayed due to legal issues and the need for inclusion of section that would make necessary sections conform with extant laws on procurement.

According to him, the bill should be at the President’s table yesterday as the lawmakers embark on recess and was optimistic that the President would not delay in signing the bill, adding that should he refuse to sign, they would apply necessary options to ensure the bill becomes a law.

Nwokolo noted that the other aspect of the bills are critical, adding that the National Assembly would not be distracted in ensuring that the bills are passed.

Also speaking, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Joseph Akinlaja, said lawmakers would not give in to any pressure that would frustrate the outcome of the bills, especially the host community bill.

He said the bills would be passed before the end of this administration, especially to ensure profitability of investment in the sector.