Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has called for an amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to address the flaws in the legislation.

Diri emphasized that the review would go a long way in tackling the ongoing crisis between oil companies and their host communities.

He described the Act as a timed bomb and stated that it was an aberration for the federal government to deal directly with oil-producing communities while excluding the states and local governments.

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He said:

“We are happy we have a PIA that guides the industry. However, we saw a lot of flaws even before the Bill was assented to. At that point, l referred to the Act as a time bomb.

“I also said that there would still be serious crisis between the oil producing communities and oil companies and by extension, the federal government. One of such indications is that the federal government in that Act successfully excluded the state and local governments to deal directly with the communities.

“In recent times, we have started seeing crisis between the communities and oil companies over the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other issues. And the state governments have been called to intervene. So that Act needs further amendment.”

The Governor made his position known during a courtesy visit by the new Commander of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Eugenio Ferreira, and other officers at the Government House in Yenagoa on Tuesday.

According to him, since Nigeria operated a federal system of government, it was important for the states and local governments to be included in the decision-making process.

He further called on the oil-producing states and local governments to intervene in resolving issues between oil companies and their host communities.

He suggested that the incorporation of both state and local governments into the oil industry legislation would enable them to contribute towards ensuring peace and stability in the industry.

The move, he said, will bring development closer to the people and tackle oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities.

He said:

“While as a government, we would not support anybody involved in oil theft, illegal oil refining and all other acts that contribute to pollution, underdevelopment and killings, we would also like to state that the best way to tackle the issues is to fast-track development to these areas. We can assure you that these same people will become protectors of oil installations domiciled in the Niger Delta.”

The Governor also urged Ferreira to join hands with the state government in surmounting the security challenges in his area of operation.

The oil and gas infrastructure protection and security was established with a clear mandate to protect oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta and ensure a stable and peaceful environment for all, the governor held.

Ferreira disclosed that the OPD mandate has been achieved with a success rate of 80 per cent due to the kinetic and non-kinetic approach of the military.

The OPD Commander explained that the state government has been instrumental in supporting the command, and for this, we express our gratitude.

He commended Diri for his unwavering support to the task force and further pledged to continue to cooperate and collaborate with the state government to ensure the peace and security of the state.