21 June 2014, Lagos — The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Thursday in Lagos, disclosed that the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) embodies the essential reforms that will put the petroleum sector on the path of robust growth
This was revealed at a one-day enlightenment workshop on PIB organised by National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria held in Lagos.
She said: “It is my firm belief that the PIB embodies the essential reforms that will put the petroleum sector on the path of robust growth. Adhering to the principles advocated above Nigeria fully expects to be a significant hub in the Africa region for petroleum activities”.
While given the Federal Government’s position on the passage of the bill, Madueke, who was represented by Jonathan Okohs of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, said: “Nigeria needs to wean herself from dependence on natural resources and diversify the economy to the other important sectors”.
According to the minister, President Goodluck Jonathan’s agenda is basically on macroeconomic policy, job creation and public expenditure management.
“This is basically so because the global economy is changing and Nigeria must adapt to these changes in order to grow a sustainable economy in the future”, she said.
The labour unions have reiterated the advantages attached to PIB if the National Assembly passed it into law, insisting that it would create employment and also encouraged local content.
The Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Issa Aremu, maintained that PIB must make provisions that recognise and uphold the interests and welfare of organised labour and workers represented by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG)
Also, PENGASSAN’s Secretary, Bayo Olowoshile, stated the PIB bill must ensure strengthening of the Nigerian Content Act and policies, especially as relates to labour, training and manpower development.