CSOs fault National Assembly on PIB

 CSOs fault National Assembly on PIB

Civil Society organisations have faulted the National Assembly for allegedly failing to address community, economic and environmental concerns in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The groups include Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), We The People, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) and Home of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF).

At a briefing in Lagos, they condemned the lawmakers for passing what they described as an “obnoxious and vexatious bill.”

Acting Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Chima Williams, condemned provisions of the bill, especially the three per cent for Host Communities Fund and 30 per cent for oil exploration in Frontier Basins in Northern Nigeria.

He said: “The PIB failed to properly address the lingering issues of the oil and gas host communities.” He believes the lawmakers’ position is a far cry from the yearnings of oil and gas host communities.

Executive Director, We The People, Ken Henshaw, added: “The current version of the PIB failed to address community, economic and environmental concerns.”  The coalition regretted that its suggestions during the public hearing were not considered.

“Unfortunately, it is regretful that our suggestions which emanate from a long history of work on the sector, engagements with stakeholders including oil-producing communities, and established international best practices have not been taken seriously in the Bills passed by both chambers of the National Assembly”, said Philip Jakpor, Head Communications, CAPPA.