PIB passes second reading amidst turbulent debate
By Citizensplatform
The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) following much debate on the floor of the Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed through its Second Reading.
The lawmakers had been clearly divided along ethnic lines as they debated the bill on Wednesday. The Chairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business Mr. Ita Enang claimed 83% of the nation’s oil blocs are owned by people from Northern Nigeria reacting to the Northern Senators’ views that the oil producing areas receive too much money from the Federation Accounts.
Senator Enang advocated equitable distribution of oil bloc licenses in the country.
The Northern Senators, while supporting the general principles of the PIB, insisted that certain aspects of the bill had to be amended. They noted that the powers vested in the Minister of Petroleum Resources were excessive and stressed the need for such powers to be reduced before the Bill is passed.
However, the Senate Thursday afternoon approved the Bill for the Committee Stage where it is expected to be perfected and tabled for a vote.
The committee is chaired by Senator Emmanuel Paulker representing Bayelsa Central.
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Posted by Anu_Editor
on Mar 7 2013. Filed under NEWS & REPORTS.
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