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NASS Passes Two Versions Of PIB, As Stakeholders React
There was uproar in the Senate, yesterday, during the consideration of the Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream; Upstream and Gas Resources on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
Despite that, the Senate, passed the controversial PIB after a very heated argument, debate, and plea on the percentage for the host communities, just as the lawmakers approved three percent (three per cent) of the actual annual operating expenditure of the preceding financial year in the upstream petroleum operations affecting the host communities for funding of the Host Communities Trust Fund.
It said that this will ensure adequate development of the host communities and reduction in the cost of production.
The three per cent approved was short by two per cent as against the five per cent recommended by the committee.
The report read, “This chapter highlights the effective and efficient administration of the Host Community Trust Fund which is to be anchored by the settlor, that is the oil and gas companies operating in the host communities.
“The various recommended provisions when passed into law will ensure a peaceful operating environment that will have a positive direct impact on the cost of oil and gas production which has been the bane of the Nigerian oil and gas industry,
“After extensive engagements with various stakeholders and on-the-spot assessment visits to host communities across the country, the Joint Committee recommended strengthening measures and saddled the host communities with responsibilities with a view to reducing or completely eradicating interferences and tampering in the country’s oil and gas production assets.
“Furthermore, to ensure adequate development of the host communities and reduction in the cost of production, the Joint Committee recommends five per cent (5%) of the actual annual operating expenditure of the preceding financial year in the upstream petroleum operations affecting the host communities for funding of the Host Communities Trust Fund.
“A total of 20 amendments were recommended to this Chapter while others were retained”.
Meanwhile, Senators had a closed door meeting with the Minister of State, Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, and the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, who briefed the lawmakers for over one hour on the technical and financial details of the Bill before the consideration of the report.
Also, the House and the Senate, yesterday, passed a different version of the Petroleum Industry Bill.
While the lower chamber did not debate the bill, the members of the upper chamber had extensive debate on it.
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Ahmed Wase did not allow any debate or call for an amendment, however, the Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Mohammed Monguno moved a motion for the host community fund to be amended from the 2.5 per cent presented, to 5 per cent.
The amendment was adopted, however, the Senate passed at 3 per cent.
Speaking on the bill, Monguno who briefed journalists said Rep members will ensure that their 5 per cent is adopted against the 3 per cent by the senate.
He noted that the House has gotten the mandate to push for the 5 per cent.
He, however, said the Joint Committee of the National Assembly will have to decide on how to proceed.
The bill also makes provision for 30 per cent of oil profits to be invested into the frontier funds for the exploration of oil in the North and other frontier basins.
“The House has a mandate; the committee must jealously guard this mandate. Although there would be some give and take, the House will guard it jealously”, Munguno said.
“30% of the oil profit will be used for frontier explorations. The money will be in escrow account, if not used, it will be returned to the treasury. We only have 20 years window to maximise oil,” Monguno said.
The House version is yet to pass for Second Reading.
The joint committee is expected to concur to the two versions.
Commenting on the development, lead promoter, EnergyHub Nigeria, Dr Felix Amieyeofori, said, “This is a welcome development for the oil and gas industry, and the country at large as it will provide the long-expected business and investment environment for operators, and other stakeholders.
“This is coming at the time when oil and gas-dependent economies are grappling with the reality of the energy transition to cleaner renewable energy sources, targeted at tackling the global climate problems.
“While oil will still play a significant role in the global energy mix beyond 2050, the ‘Proverbial Net Zero Date’, Nigeria must ensure that we utilize the opportunities created by this law to fully harness the total hydrocarbon value chain in order to generate the capital that will propel our transition into the renewable world.
“I would, therefore, advise that government and all the stakeholders work toward ensuring the immediate implementation of the critical and pivotal clauses without the traditional politicking. The 2014 National Conference is still very fresh, as Nigerians are known for putting together very pragmatic policies and laws, but, we have always failed to walk the talk, and that has been the albatross of our development as a nation.”
He added: “I will say a Big Congratulations to the 9th National Assembly and Buhari-led Executive arm for taking the bull by the horns. I also want to congratulate the industry stakeholders for their sweats and strains for ensuring this historic event in the country.”
Similarly, a Port Harcourt-based energy analyst, said, “The PIB is dead on arrival, apparently because it is belated.
“This administration could have passed the PIB much earlier, but it wasted time trying to break it down into segments, including the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) before returning to the original plan of passing it as a single document.
“Consequently, the oil and gas industry and the entire nation’s economy have suffered. Many investments and companies had over the years gone to other nations in Africa, especially Angola, Ghana, and even the emerging East African countries.”
He added, “There was a time Nigeria used to deploy over 20 rigs, exploring for oil, but we currently use only about six or seven rigs.”
In a recent interview, the Executive Director, Spaces for Change, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, who criticized previous administrations for their inability to pass the PIB, had attributed it mainly to, “lack of political will and vested interests.”
Reacting, the Presidency described the passage of the complete version of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which defied passage in previous assemblies over the last twenty years by the Senate as a jinx that has indeed been broken.
In a statement, yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Babajide Omoworare, said that breaking the jinx with the passage was a testament that the Executive and the Legislature can really work together and truly engage each other, without compromising party position and individual perspective, in the most positive manner with a view to actualising the common goal and communal good for Nigerians.
Omoworare congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker, House Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill by the National Assembly.
The statement read, “The Senior Special Assistant to the President on NASS (Senate), Senator Babajide Omoworare, congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari, the Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker, House Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill by the National Assembly.
“It should be noted that the efforts by the Executive and Legislature in Nigeria to put in place contemporary legislative and legal framework in the oil and gas sector has proved abortive since the year 2000; also, the non-amendment of the extant framework being the Petroleum Act of 1967, has affected inflow of Foreign Direct Investment as well as growth in Local Content.
“Breaking this jinx and achieving this feat is a testament that the Executive and the Legislature can really work together and truly engage each other, without compromising party position and individual perspective, in the most positive manner with a view to actualizing the common goal and communal good for Nigerians.
“I would like to thank the entire Leadership and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylvia, and the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kolo Kyari, for their focused and tenacious attitude to achieving this milestone.”
Also reacting, the National President, Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCON), Chief Benjamin Benjamin Tamanarebi said it was insulting for the Senate and House of Representatives to cede only three and five per cent equity shareholding, respectively to the oil and gas producing communities in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), passed.
Tamanarebi said that the PIB passed by NASS was a fruitless exercise and unacceptable to the host communities.
“Imagine for over 63 years of neglect, deprivation and marginalization of the aborigines who have suffered untold hardship in the midst of wealth, for the first time after many years of agitation, asking for only 10 per cent equity shareholding and the leadership of NASS is considering five per cent and three per cent viewing it that they have done us a favour.
“This is unacceptable and we reject the offer.
“It is our sole right as the aborigines, it is our land, and it is our waterways, as Nigeria claiming it because we are from Nigeria state. Then, why denying our rights to benefit, right to have clean environment, right to have potable water to drink, good hospital, electricity, good roads but leaving us in abject poverty, in a desecrated environment without considering the UNFCCC/ CDM criteria.
“We will still study other areas in the Bill to address it in due course, for example, Section 104 (2) on gas flaring where funds on penalty should be paid to the government, we reserve to study all sections, but is a fruitless exercise as usual,” he said.
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We Support Rivers Workers To Feel Valued, Productive, Says Fubara …Inaugurates Bayelsa Labour House
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that in the heat of political crisis staged against his administration in 2023, he committed to improving the welfare of Rivers workers in order to have a well-motivated workforce to achieve the goals of the Rivers First mantra.
The Governor stated that the resultant industrial harmony has now become unprecedented as workers feel more valued, supported, and resolved to be more productive on an increased efficiency and profitability scale.
Governor Fubara gave the explanation while inaugurating the one-storey twin-building Labour House constructed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, in Yanagoa City, the Bayelsa State capital, yesterday.
The Governor recalled that while en-route Abuja for a reconciliatory political meeting to find solutions to the 2023 political crisis, his mind kept drifting to what could be done to give hope and cushion the hardship faced by Rivers workers.
Governor Fubara said he made the decision, therefore, to pay Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every worker, across grade levels in December, 2023, and extended the gesture to retirees in 2024.
The Governor stated: “On the 18th of December, the year of Our Lord 2023, I was on my way to Abuja for a reconciliatory meeting, and I was thinking: what will I do for my people – my primary constituency, who are the civil servants?
“We all know that the salary is not enough during the Christmas period. I knew we had a lot of challenges at that time, and it would be difficult for me to do the 13th month.
“But, however, even if I had to do the 13th month, it would also be a cheating to the lower level workers because some of them would have less than N100,000. So, I decided that I was going to do a bonus of N100,000 to all workers. That was my meeting with the Accountant-General while I was on my way to Abuja.”
Governor Fubara said: “After the meeting, I was weakened in my spirit. But on my way back, I said no matter the sadness, I still need to make my people happy.
“And even in the face of that most difficult time of our administration, we made all the civil servants very happy by giving everybody N100, 000 for Christmas that year.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the letter of appreciation written to him by the leaderships of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) due principally to the fact that the gesture was extended to all pensioners in 2024, while also seeking to give him an award of recognition.
The Governor stated that what had been done has contributed to the industrial harmony enjoyed in Rivers State, as according to him, every labour issue has also ended on the dialogue table.
Governor Fubara said: “It is not because we are meeting all their needs, but because we are putting human face to governance. We are not running it like Nebuchadnezzar’s time.
“We are not running it like the Babylonians. We are running it with the Jesus style where love takes the lead over everything. Where love is what should be in front and behind.”
Governor Fubara noted that what the Bayelsa State Government has done shows there is good relationship existing between labour and the administration of Senator Diri.
The Rivers State Governor advised the organised labour in Bayelsa State to consider the gesture, not as a right but a privilege so that they can embrace it wholeheartedly, defend, cherish, and protect it, and ensure that nobody comes between them and the government to cause friction.
Governor Fubara also expressed sadness over the demise of Chief Edwin Clark, a leader, he noted, will be remembered for his positive impact on many aspects of national and régional issues.
He said, “We are here, we just observed a minute silence for the death of our hero, Pa Edwin Clark. What is he remembered for? For his courage, truthfulness, doggedness, and the survival of this region.”
Governor Fubara told Senator Diri: “I want you to continue to stand for same thing, and I can see that you are standing for what is right. That is what history will remember you for.
“History will not remember anyone for any destructive thing, don’t deceive yourself. Money and material things cannot be taken for a good name. So, please continue to do what is right. History and the good people of Bayelsa will forever remember you.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will promote a robust relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa, unlike what it was 15 years ago, which is why all legal battles hitherto instituted in court have been withdrawn and would be settled out of court.
He added, “That is the first thing to show our commitment that we are in a mutual relationship and ready to make progress. You said it here, Rivers cannot develop without Bayelsa. Bayelsa also cannot make progress without Rivers. That is the truth.”
In his speech, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the project was started by the administration of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, but quickly added that he has completed it to provide the organised labour in the State a place to conduct their activities, while using it as a platform to voice their concerns, access support services, and engage in constructive dialogue with his administration.
Senator Diri, who commended Governor Fubara for his exemplary labour-friendly policies that have promoted workers’ welfare and industrial harmony, said his administration has so far paid N20billion to servicing pensions and gratuities, hoping to upset all outstanding indebtedness by the end of his second tenure.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Mr Odoko Saturday Omiloli, said the magnificent Labour House is a testament of the commitment of the Prosperity Administration of Sen. Diri to promote the welfare and well-being of workers in the state.
In their joint address, both Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress leaders thanked Governor Diri for building a befitting edifice for them, and pledged to sustain support to his administration.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of former Federal Commissioner for Information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday.
Tinubu said, “He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
“He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.”
The statement reads: “On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.
“Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President states that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted the weight of his words, his confidence, and his conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.
Clark died on Monday at the age of 97.
His demise was announced by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark, in a statement Tuesday.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Clark’s death is coming on the heels of the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96 just a few days ago.
Both Clark and Adebanjo are known for contributing to the political development of the country.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has also mourned Clark, describing him as an iconic statesman.
Buhari, in a condolence statement yesterday, said he death of Clark had caused deep sorrow in his heart and that of many in the country.
The statement read in part: “Late Chief Edwin Clark was a leader dedicated to reforms whose commitment to the development of his community and the nation would always be remembered. His death caused deep sorrow in his heart, and that of many, and his departure was a loss for the nation.
He is an iconic statesman”.
The former president maintained that the late Ijaw leader had left an indelible imprint on the nation and that in his passing, Nigeria had lost an iconic statesman and a distinguished leader.
He added that his commitment to the country’s unity would be respected by generations to come.
Buhari further urged the Clark family and fellow citizens in the Delta region of the country to uphold his numerous achievements.
Also, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the late PANDEF leader as a man of great conviction.
In a brief message posted via his verified X handle, yesterday, Saraki praised the elder statesman’s unwavering conviction, stating that Clark stood firm in his beliefs until the very end.
“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was a man of great conviction who stood firm for what he believed in—right to the very end,” Saraki wrote.
He added that Clark’s passionate advocacy for justice and equity would be deeply missed by Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta, for whom he was a tireless advocate.
“His death marks the end of an era—an era of principled leadership. He was one of the movers and shakers of the Second Republic Senate, in which my father served as the Leader of the Senate.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the entire Ijaw community, the people of the Niger Delta, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader,” the former Senate President stated.
A towering figure in Nigerian politics and a relentless advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta, Clark was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975.
At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and subsequently became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond his political career, Clark was a leading voice for regional and national unity. He was also known for mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta region.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his administration is courageously executing strategic projects that are opening up Kalabari land for unprecedented development and economic growth.
Governor Fubara made the explanation when he received on solidarity visit, a delegation of monarchs, political leaders, elders, women and youths of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, led by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, at Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
The Governor stated that while previous administrations avoided executing the original plan for the Trans-Kalabari Road project due to cost implications, he has ventured into it, and driving the process steadily in order to link Kalabari land to the State capital.
Governor said: “Somebody said, if I don’t do it for my people, who will do it for them. We ventured into the Trans-Kalabari Road, we didn’t close our eyes. Our eyes were open because we knew what we were entering into.
“It is not a joke; it is a big project. We believe that at the end of that project, the level of development that it will attract to that line of entry into Kalabari will be very unprecedented.
“Issues of insecurity from our waterways will be reduced because, at that point we are doing road, people won’t be using the river anymore. The cost of living will also be cheaper.”
Governor Fubara further asserted: “So, you understand that your interest, your safety, your development is key to us. It is not about the number of years that we are going to be here; what is important to this government is the impact we make while we are here.”
Responding to their unanimous endorsement to see him run for a second term in office, Governor Fubara said power belongs to God, and He gives it to whoever finds favour in His sight.
Governor Fubara, however, stated that if God so approved of it, even those who are regrouping against him will not see the path God will lead him because they cannot scuttle such plan.
He added, “Power belongs to God. So, you see, I like believing that we don’t have any problem. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. If we can break the bridge, Moses will come and create a road for us. So, you don’t need to worry.
“We will cross the bridge. We will cross it in a way that our enemies will be struggling; they won’t see where we are passing. So, don’t worry.”
Governor Fubara acknowledged the immense support to him by Rivers Ijaw, and urged particularly the Kalabari people to stand with honour in their unalloyed support for his administration, which will neither abandon them nor fail to deliver quality projects to the people.
Governor Fubara also responded to their requests and informed them that his administration has completed the Emohua/Tema Junction Road project, and ready to inaugurate the Degema Zonal Hospital in May.
He said the Health Commissioner has been directed to assess the state of the Abonnema General Hospital for immediate rehabilitation, while promising to address the issues of shore protection in the area.
Governor Fubara assured that with the Abonnema sandfilling works completed, the phase two will commence that will include Buguma, explaining that the Commissioner for Works has been tasked to do the assessment immediately.
On the request for the establishment of tertiary institution in the area, Governor Fubara said his administration is already inaudated with memos asking that the off-campus of Rivers State University established previously be revised because it has become difficult to sustain them, but quickly added that the government will consider the establishment of a viable institution that will provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to the people in a sustained manner.
Reading the address of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, Chief Pawariso Samuel Horsfall, announced that the entire Kalabari people have unanimously endorsed Governor Fubara for a second term, and vowed to mobilise Rivers people to ensure electoral victory for him in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
In his speech, the leader of the delegation and Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, expressed the profound thanks of the Kalabari people to Governor Fubara for his genuine love for them, as evidenced in the types and quality of development projects delivered or being executed in the area.