By Fatima Saka
The Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum has announced plans to compile and address nationwide complaints surrounding the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), signalling potential amendments to the landmark oil sector reform law.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door session on Tuesday in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District, said the Senate was responding to mounting concerns from industry stakeholders and Nigerians over alleged inefficiencies and gaps in the PIA’s enforcement.
“There is a need for us to listen to the concerns of stakeholders, especially on the PIA, and expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution and administration of laws within our legislative competence,” Senator Sumaila said.
He explained that the committee has resolved to gather and harmonise public and industry concerns regarding the operations of agencies administering Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
“We will put our heads together and collect all the concerns of Nigerians on the operation of the PIA and its subsidiaries. Very soon, we will compile these issues for possible legislative amendments,” he stated.
The PIA, which was signed into law in 2021, was designed to overhaul Nigeria’s oil industry, improve transparency, attract investment and regulate host community development. However, various stakeholders, including oil marketers, host communities and labour unions, have raised concerns over its implementation, citing rising energy costs, regulatory bottlenecks and lack of accountability.
Senator Sumaila assured Nigerians that the Senate would not ignore legitimate worries regarding the law.
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“This is what we all agree on, and we seek the input of Nigerians to strengthen the PIA for the benefit of the nation,” he added.
The committee is expected to begin public consultations in the coming weeks as part of efforts to drive reforms in the downstream petroleum sector.
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