The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the blatant disregard for the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010 by oil and gas companies operating in Imo State.

This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor during Wednesday’s plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Dr Benjamin Kalu.

The House mandated its Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring to summon the chief executives of seven oil companies affected by the policy.

Also invited are the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Chairman of the Imo State
Internal Revenue Service to address the alleged infractions.

The lawmakers directed the oil firms to comply fully with the NOGICD Act’s provisions on indigenous employment, contract awards, and establishment of operational offices in host communities.

They also urged compliance with the Host Communities Development Trust requirements under the PIA 2021 and directed the firms to grant tax officials access for lawful revenue activities.

In his lead debate, Okafor lamented that none of the oil and gas companies operating in Imo State currently have functional offices within the state, describing the situation as a clear violation of existing laws.

“When a section of our citizenry is subjected to such brazen exploitation and the laws we have enacted are treated with contempt, we must act decisively,” Okafor said.

“We cannot preside over a nation where corporate profit is placed above human dignity and constitutional order.”

He stressed the need to restore the rule of law, protect citizens in oil-producing communities, and reaffirm the National Assembly’s authority in ensuring compliance with statutory provisions.

Okafor urged the House to support the motion fully, noting that enforcing compliance would not only benefit the people of Imo but also promote accountability and fairness across all oil-producing regions.