21 June 2014, Lagos — Minister of Petroleum Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke has said the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) currently before he National Assembly will produce a robust oil and gas sector when passed into law.
She said this yesterday at an enlightenment workshop on PIB held in Lagos.
“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,” Diezani said.
The minister said Nigeria needed to free itself from dependence on natural resources and diversify the economy to other important sectors.
She said President Goodluck Jonathan’s agenda was basically on “macroeconomic policy, job creation and public expenditure management. The global economy is changing and Nigeria must adapt to these changes in order to grow a sustainable economy in the future.”
Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Issa Aremu maintained that the PIB must make provisions that recognised and upholds the interests and welfare of organised labour and workers in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
He also said the bill must ensure strengthening of the Nigerian Content Act and policies, especially as it relates to labour, training and manpower development.
Lagos State Secretary of NLC, Comrade John Odigie lamented the delay in the bill, saying it should have been passed by now.
– Daily Trust