Mkpoikana Udoma 12 June 2017, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt – The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, is seeking a speedy consideration of other tranches of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, that concerns the host communities.
According to a statement issued by the spokesman of IYC, Henry Iyalla, the fragmentation of the PIB, now rechristened the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, PIGB, into tranches is counterproductive and time wasting.
The youth group maintained that passage of the complete Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, is the only guarantee for a smooth and conducive operational environment in the Niger Delta.
“We wish to state expressly that the only PIB that will ensure peace in the region and be celebrated by all is one that includes the Oil Communities Fund Act.
“The proposed Oil Communities Act gives the Niger Delta people a stake in the industry and provides avenues to alleviate the suffering of the people in the region. Without the passage of this bill any governance structure put in place will not succeed.
“The National Assembly should immediately take further steps for the quick passage of the Host Community Bill which guarantees 10% equity to the community,” Iyalla said.