Gbaja: Reps will pass PIB in April

Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, says the lower legislative chamber will pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in April.

Speaking at a public hearing organised by an ad hoc committee on the PIB on Wednesday, Gbajabiamila said passing the legislation in April is a commitment the house has made.

The speaker said though they are working to pass it in a short time, the bill will receive the “thoroughness” it deserves.

“We intend to pass this bill by April. That is the commitment we have made. Some may consider it a tall order,” he said.

“We will do it without compromising the thoroughness [of the bill].”

Gbajabiamila’s promise follows the one made by Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Monday.

While speaking at a public hearing, Lawan the senate is looking at passing the legislation by April or May.

“We are looking at each member of the national assembly to consider and pass the bill by the first quarter April or May,” he had said.

“This is a responsibility that is entirely for the legislature. It requires full participation by the entire stakeholders.

“We believe we have been working together and that shouldn’t be a major challenge so that it doesn’t appear that only the national assembly can work and pass the bill.

“We will do that on the condition that the major stakeholders play their part including the organised private sector. We will pass this bill not any kind without ensuring that it is a bill that satisfies many conditions.”

Past assemblies have failed to pass the legislation which will give the oil and gas sector a proper operational framework.