PIA: Directly paying communities for royalties, aberration — Governor Diri
Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has called the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) a “time bomb with lots of lacunas” because it prevents local and state governments from receiving revenue from the sale of crude oil, even though host communities stand to gain directly from it.
During the opening of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC) office in Yenagoa, the state capital, Senator Diri also demanded an increase to 10% from the current 3% of oil proceeds accruing to host communities, calling it glaringly insufficient.
The governor went on to explain, saying that parts of the Act that excluded the duties of local and state governments should be amended. He also urged foreign oil corporations operating in the nation to move their headquarters to the states where they do business.
The governor claims that despite his administration’s best efforts, there is still a lack of peace and security in Bayelsa. He attributes some of this insecurity to the exclusion of Niger Delta residents from employment prospects in the oil and gas sector.
He said “let Bayelsans and people across the Niger Delta be employed in your commission. Part of the problem causing conflict is the alienation of our people from job opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
“There should be an inclusive process for our people to benefit from the resources in their land.”
In a separate speech, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), praised the governor for giving the ADRC’s Body of Neutrals a suitable office.
He said “I want to pay glowing tribute to Governor Diri. He has done something wonderful and demonstrated a rare gesture.
“It is first of its kind for the ADR centre, which is an indication of his desire to bring dispute resolution to his people. We promise to make effective utilization of this infrastructure.”
According to the chief executive of NUPRC, the center would ensure that conflicts arising in the upstream petroleum sector may be resolved in a timely, cost-effective, and high-quality manner.
The Body of Neutrals, according to NUPRC Secretary and Legal Adviser Mrs. Olayemi Anyanechi, is composed of retired judges and other distinguished professionals who work to promote justice, equity, and fairness for host communities..
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