Diri decries slow PIA implementation pace for host communities 

Mkpoikana Udoma

Yenagoa — Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has lamented over what he described as the slow pace of the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA 2021, especially in the aspect of the Host Community Development Trust.

Diri also disclosed that the people of the Niger Delta were not happy with the allocation of a paltry 3percent of oil companies’ operating cost to the host commhnity, while a whopping 40percent of NNPC profit is earmarked in the PIA for frontier explorations.

The governor spoke at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair, NOGOF2023 organized by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB in Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital.

Represented by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Dr Ibiere Jones, the governor lamented that the goose laying the golden eggs was being neglected, citing lack of federal presence in the state especially in the area of road infrastructure.

“The People of the Niger Delta is unhappy that the host community is given a paltry 3percent and 30percent goes for frontier explorations.

“The PIA implementation is slow, we think as a government, you (NNPCL and oil operators) are depriving the little benefits accruable to the host communities. Did you not plan to implement PIA?

“It has been two years after the passage of the PIA, but It is only SPDC who has written my office that why will inaugurate the Board of Trustees next Tuesday.

“Unemployment is high in Bayelsa State, we need stakeholders to synergize with the state government to train our youths.

“I also want to talk about obsolete facilities. Recently there was an oil leak in a facility operated by NNPCL in Nembe, after the leaks was reported we found out that the said Christmas tree was installed in 1969. I want to urge NNPCL and oil  operators tor ensure safety in our environment.”

For his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Bashir Jamoh, called for concerted efforts for to develop the nation’s transportation sector.

Jamoh represented by the Director, Cabotage Services, Rita Iruapa, also pledged the commitment of NIMASA to pursue policies that will boost and enhanced indigenous participation in the industry.