Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Al Hassan Ado-Doguwa reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment towards the development of the oil and gas industry which he described as the cornerstone of the Nigerian economy that drives growth, innovation and development.
Hon. Ado-Doguwa, who was flanked by his Deputy, Hon. Whingan Sesi (APC-Lagos), gave the assurance in Abuja during a Dialogue with the theme: ‘Deepening collaboration between the oil and gas industry and the National Assembly’ Organised by the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE).
Hon. Ado-Doguwa described the theme of the Dialogue as “timely and essential” as we navigate the evolving landscape of our nation’s petroleum sector.
“The House recently concluded plans for the National Assembly Open Week which underscored our commitment to transparent engagement with stakeholders.
“This dialogue therefore can be described as proactive strategy to further ensure inclusivity and accountability in the legislative processes.”
He observed that the oil and gas industry remains the cornerstone of the Nigerian economy that drives growth, innovation and development.
Hon. Ado-Doguwa assured that the House and Senate joint Committees on Petroleum Resources Upstream have jurisdictions over oil exploration and exploration activities in this sector, therefore fostering a strong relationship between the industry and the National Assembly is imperative for sustainable progress.”
According to him, Parliamentarians have the onus duty to create create conducive environment through sound policies and legislation that would enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the vital sector.
He also affirmed that the 10th Assembly’s legislative agenda focuses on several key areas in the Petroleum Industry including economic development, security and environmental sustainability.
“You are all aware that National Assembly through the PIA has provided structured framework for the oil and gas sector. Our bright priority is to ensure that extraction maximizes resource utilisation while creating job opportunities and share prosperity for all Nigerians.
“Furthermore, we are committed to environmental justice, ensuring that our activities do not compromise the health and well-being of our communities.”
While undertaking legislative oversight, the former House Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly assured that the PIA, which is the supreme legislative framework which governs the oil and gas industry in the country, was not legislation that was cast on iron, urging the stakeholders to see it as work in progress.
He stressed that if there are any areas requiring amendment in terms of content and context as well as intent, they should not hesitate to bring such grey areas to the attention of the Parliament for further legislative action, with a view to “come up with finest legislative framework to govern oil and gas sector in this country, so that we can also compete along all other global institutions in the oil and gas sector.
“I hope stakeholders will look at the PIA not like an edict, not like the military legislation, it’s not a decree, so it’s just a legislation that always expects contribution from the Stakeholders and let see how we can really fine-tune the effectiveness of the law we make for our people and for the economy.”
On his part, NAPE President, Dr Abiodun Ogunjobi, who enumerated some of the challenges bedevilling the industry, highlighted the dwindling production level.
“That is very germane including the land lucksture field development activities in the deep water today. Remember in those days we have some government policies that encouraged activities in the deep water but as at today, deep waters are very dominant, very are very domain because of lack of development activities.
“In terms of gas production, we can see low production level of our gas delivery and to say we have never been aggressive targeting gas as an exploration. Most of the gas that we have today are associated gas because there is no deliberate effort to go for non-associated gas.”
He however expressed optimism that the “recent presidential initiative will definitely encourage gas production and exploration in that space.”
On the funding challenges, Dr. Ogunjobi noted that it has always been there.
He however noted that the country now has the energy Bank – Africa Energy Bank and the headquarters has now been confirmed to be situated in Nigeria. So, that will go a long way to support exploration and development activities in the country.
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