By Onomiguren Agbamu
Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Peter Uviejitobor has sought for recognition of State Governments in the Petroleum Industry Act,(PIA) in their respective mediation in oil host communities.
Hon. Uviejitobor disclosed in his welcome address at the 8th National Council on Hydrocarbon, held in Asaba, Delta state capital, theme; “The Petroleum Industry Act,( PIA) 2021: The journey so far”.
The commissioner noted that “the absence of a defined role and seeming non-recognition of state governments in the Petroleum Industry Act must be reviewed”
The commissioner stressed the determination to ensure that the benefits of the abundant hydrocarbons are felt by oil host communities, enhancing their socio-economic well-being and fostering sustainable development.
He maintained that the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) marked a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s quest for a transparent, efficient, and environmentally conscious oil and gas sector.
He noted that “this legislation does not only seek to reform our industry but also aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment, enhance regulatory frameworks, and promote local content development amidst ensuring that host communities are accorded their right of place in the sector.
He said, “As a major hub of oil production and activities in Nigeria, Delta State has a vested interest not only in the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act but also in the outcome of this event”.
“We recognize the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and host communities in achieving these goals. That is why the absence of a defined role and seeming non-recognition of state governments in the Petroleum Industry Act must be reviewed”.
While paying special tributes to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for approving the hosting of the event in Asaba , the Oil and gas Commissioner tasked participants, especially members of constituted Host Community Development Trusts and oil companies, to actively defend their memoranda , contribute to the conversations , share their experiences and propose innovative solutions that will shape the future of the Petroleum industry.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Agbo Ella, said the National Council on Hydrocarbons has come to stay as the Ministry’s flagship event, aimed at garnering ideas that will propel good policy formulation in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
Representative of the Director of Upstream Department in the ministry, Engr Kamoru Busari, the Petroleum Resources ministry Permanent Secretary said the theme for this year 2024 is well-thought-out and apt for the moment.
Ambassador Agbo Bella , revealed that , “realizing the dangers inherent in over dependence on oil revenue , which for some years now , has been volatile and causing disruption in the implementation of the national budget , the federal government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, decided to tap into the gas potentials of Nigeria with a view to optimizing the gas value chain. Thus, the Hon Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, launched the Nigeria Gas Transportation Network Code and declared year 2020 as the YEAR OF GAS, during the 4th edition of NIPS, held in February 2020”.
The Petroleum Resources disclosed that since the world is yearning for cleaner energy forms and discouraging the use of fossil fuel due to its pollutant effects, Nigeria must be awake to tap into the great potentials for gas.
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