Niger Delta Leaders Demand Immediate Review of PIA, NDDC Act
…Say States must Establish special agencies for Admin. of 13% derivation
By Ekemini Simon
Leaders and communities in the Niger Delta have asked the Nigerian National Assembly to immediately review the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) to address the challenges currently facing the Niger Delta region.
Leaders of the oil and gas rich region insist that instead of the Act to address the challenges bedeviling the region, several provisions in the PIA rather reinforce the challenges.
This position was contained in a communique issued at the end of the Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence held in Uyo on June 23, 2022.
The convergence which was chaired by Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah had the presence of frontline civil society organizations, socio-cultural groups, academics, traditional rulers and individuals drawn from the Niger Delta states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.
The leaders demanded the National Assembly should review the Act to provide a definite deadline for gas flaring by oil companies and eliminate powers to permit flaring.
They noted that the review of gas flare fines should reflect the same amount as the commercial value of natural gas in the international market, while transferring flare fines to host communities.
The Niger Delta leaders called for the elimination of the section of the PIA that places the responsibility to protect oil installations on host communities.
They also asked for the removal of the powers to establish Host Community Development Funds from the ‘settlor’ or oil companies, and bestow the same on each host community.
The convergence insisted on the Immediate release to the public of the forensic audit report on the NDDC and the prosecution of all those found to have fleeced the Commission.
They enjoined the National Assembly to immediately review the NDDC Act to ensure greater accountability, prudence and participation of people in the affairs of the Commission.
The leaders also asked all states in the region to establish special agencies for the administration of 13% derivation revenues for the benefit of oil producing communities.
The leaders expressed concern over the fact “That while the world is transitioning from the use of fossil fuels, Nigeria does not seem to be making any serious plans in that regard.”
They pointed out that without a transition plan, the Niger Delta risks being stranded with derelict oil infrastructure and its attendant pollution impacts.
While noting that the region has become an ecological wasteland, utterly devastated by the mindless pollution which has attended the activities of multinational oil companies, the communique added ” That the land and forest rights of communities are restored and respected, especially in Cross River state, and deliberate efforts are made to check the spate of deforestation.
“That detailed plans are produced to respond to new and emerging climate change threats to include strategies for supporting community resilience, controlling flooding, relocating communities, addressing health concerns and providing for the social and economic needs of affected people.”