ERA faults proposed bill, canvasses $100b restoration fund for Niger Delta

The Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, has faulted the proposed Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) saying it falls short of the expectations of key stakeholders in the oil industry.

Ojo, who addressed reporters during the World Environment Day at Abuja, also canvassed the need to put in place a $100 billion clean up and restoration fund for the entire Niger Delta.

The ERA chief, who faulted the steps so far taken towards the implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Assessment on Ogoniland Report maintained that the PIGB currently before the National Assembly does not recognise local participation in the management of natural resources.

He further claimed that the 10 per cent equity devolved to the community in the previous bill has not only been deliberately left out, environmental protection is not provided for in the proposed legislation.

He noted: “The bill is not comprehensive and is highly deceptive because although it anticipates other bills, yet the timing, shape and content of such future bills are virtually unknown. The bill should not be passed by the lawmakers unless the promoters put all the cards on the table in respect to other expected bills and incorporate critical views from the impacted communities and civil society groups.”