Delta state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has said the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will reduce the level of hostilities and lack of trust between host communities and oil companies.
Okowa said this when members of Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, led by Senator Omotayo Alasaodura, visited Asaba for stakeholders meeting with traditional rulers, presidents-general of ethnic nationalities, and other relevant stakeholders.
He stated that the passage of the bill and signing it into law should be concluded before the campaign for the 2019 general elections commences.
Okowa, who commended the committee on Petroleum Host Communities Bill for visiting the state, advised that all components of the PIB should be considered for the desired results to be achieved.
“I want to appreciate the National Assembly for the interest you have for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, we are glad that you are here to visit impacted communities, have a firsthand knowledge of effects of oil exploration and have interactive session with the people.
“I am glad that this particular Bill, though it may be the most smallest, is the most important because if you do not have the bye-in of the host communities, the likelihood of success in the entire petroleum industry will be challenged.”
“Things are getting better in the oil communities, but we believe that more can be done and this bill will actually remove every doubt and every fear will be taken care of when it is signed into law”, Okowa said.
Senator Alasaodura had earlier said they were in the state for the people to have input in the PIB, noting that Delta state “is one of the greatest stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil industry and getting the views of the people was very important to ensure that the bill meets their aspirations”.
