Kaduna PDP lawmaker defects to APC
The House of Representatives has ordered a full-scale investigation into the failure of oil and gas companies to remit the mandatory three per cent of their yearly operating expenditure to the Host Communities Development Trust Fund as required by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hart Cyril Godwin, who drew the attention of the lower legislative chamber to what he described as “blatant disregard” for the law by several oil companies operating in the country’s producing regions.
Godwin, while moving the motion at the plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen yesterday, noted that the PIA made it compulsory for every licensee or lessee whose operations impact a community to incorporate a Host Communities Development Trust Fund and contribute three per cent of their previous year’s actual operating expenditure to support development projects in the host areas.
He lamented that despite the clear provisions of Sections 235, 236, and 240 of the Act, many oil firms have failed to incorporate the Trust or release the required funds, thereby undermining the spirit of the legislation.
The lawmaker expressed concern that the relevant regulatory agencies, particularly the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), did not take decisive action to enforce compliance.
He reminded the House that Section 297 of the PIA prescribes daily administrative penalties for non-compliance, while Section 238 empowers the government to revoke licences for continued breach of the law.
The House thereby mandated its Committee on Host Communities to investigate both the defaulting oil companies and the regulatory agencies accused of failing to enforce the Act.
The committee was asked to turn in its report within four weeks.
Lawmakers across party lines backed the motion, describing it as a necessary step to ensure that host communities receive their fair share of benefits from oil and gas operations.
Meanwhile, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker in the chamber, Amos Daniel, has formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Speaker announced the defection during yesterday’s plenary.
Representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Daniel said his decision followed wide consultations with community leaders, religious groups, professionals, and traditional rulers in his constituency.
He explained that the move followed months of deep reflection and extensive consultation, adding that joining the APC would enable him to better serve his people and attract more development to Southern Kaduna.
According to him, the expectations of his constituents for improved infrastructure, security, and youth empowerment can be more effectively pursued through partnership with the ruling party.
