Magu’s Troubles Likely Worsens as Buhari Receives Inquiry Report on Ex-EFCC Chairman

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November 21, 2020

No respite yet for the former Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, as his case resurfaced again at the State House in Abuja.

This time, it’s the submission of the voluminous report by the Justice Ayo Salami-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Investigation of Magu to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Inside sources alleged that the report has essentially exposed Magu and he may have a lot to explain in the coming days.

Speaking while receiving the report from Salami, Buhari reiterated his desire to make Nigeria a country that has no tolerance for corruption.

According to him, “Corruption is present in all countries. Some governments treat it with levity. Some fight it all the time. I want Nigeria to be counted among those countries that do not tolerate but fight corruption.”

In order to protect Nigeria’s political and economic systems, and the continuous existence of the Nigerian state from the serious threat of corruption, the President called on all stakeholders, and indeed every Nigerian to own the fight against corruption at their respective levels.

Buhari pedged that the fight against corruption is one that must be fought without fear or favour, expressing his gratitude to members of the commission for their dedication and commitment to the fight against corruption.

“The sad reality confronting us as a people is that there is corruption almost everywhere; at many levels of government, and nearly every stratum of our society. Mindful of the threat that corruption poses to us as a nation, this administration has specifically focused on the fight against corruption.

“As a government, and in furtherance of our anti-corruption programme, we have since inception engaged in many reforms in removing corruption including but not limited to the enforcement of Treasury Single Account (TSA), strict implementation of the Bank Verification Number Policy and signing unto the Open Government Partnership. A lot of efforts have gone into building and development of our anti-corruption institutions.

“We have so far kept faith with our promise and shall remain committed until Nigeria triumphs over the evil of corruption, attain a prosperous economic status and surmounts her security challenges.

“However, the stark reality of widespread corruption becomes poignant when allegations of corruption touches on the leadership of an institution set up by law to coordinate and enforce all economic and financial crimes. It is an abomination that strikes at the root, and undermines the government’s anti-corruption programme.

“It was in response to the serious allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that I set up a panel headed by the Honourable Justice Isa Ayo Salami, retired President of the Court of Appeal, via an Instrument dated 3rd July 2020 pursuant to the Tribunals of Inquiry Act (Cap T21, LFN, 2004).

“We recognise that there are more grounds to cover in the war against corruption, and we are prepared to go out to possess those lands by cutting off any stream that nourishes the seed of corruption and supports its growth.

“Let it be known that in the fight against corruption, no one is too big to tackle, as no individual is bigger than the Nigerian state,” Buhari said.

Also speaking at the brief event in Abuja, Salami said Magu and 113 witnesses appeared and testified before the commission, adding that 46 petitions and memoranda were presented by individuals and organisations with complaints against the suspended Acting Chairman, EFCC or both.

Salami noted that the commission also embarked on a nationwide physical verification of recovered forfeited assets, comprising real estates, automobiles, vessels and non-cash assets.

He commended the President for the initiative to dispose all forfeited assets “because of the poor condition of the assets we saw during our physical verification nationwide.”

Noting that the four chairmen of EFCC since inception were from the police, the retired Justice of the Court of Appeal also recommended that in appointing a new chairman consideration should be given to candidates from other law enforcement or security agencies and core staff of the EFCC as provided in the EFCC establishment Act of 2004.

He expressed profound gratitude to the President for giving the commission members a wonderful opportunity to serve the nation.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Debate Relevance of N’Assembly to Nigerians, not ‘Jumbo Pay’ – Senate President

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 20, 2020

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IMG_20201120_172045 — Preaident of Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan. Friday, 20th November, 2020.

President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan has challenged those who are critical of the National Assembly to a debate on the relevance of the Legislature to Nigerians rather than criticising the funding of the Assembly.

Lawan threw up the challenge in Abuja on Friday while declaring open a retreat for top management staff of the National Assembly and National Assembly Service Commission.

“What does the National Assembly mean to Nigerians what does the legislature mean to Nigerians.

“We need to understand what the National Assembly or what the Legislature is to Nigerians,” Lawan said.

According to a statement issued by the
Special Adviser on Media
to President of the Senate, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan called for a proper debate on what the functions of the National Assembly and Indeed the Legislature should be rather than talking about the Jumbo pay.

“Where is the Jumbo pay? We should be looking for value for money. Without this National Assembly or the Legislature across the country, what we have is no democracy anymore. So the value of the National Assembly or the Legislature to Nigeria is democracy.

“We always debate on Jumbo pay instead of what should be the functions and hold us responsible for what we are able to do and for what we are not able to do.

“Ask for what you think we should be doing rather than saying ‘close the Senate’ or ‘close the National Assembly.’ Do you understand the implication of this.

“You close the Senate, for example, not because I’m in the Senate but the Senate is a leveller. Senate is a leveller because in the House of Representatives, population is the major consideration and that’s why some States will have five or six members of the House and others will have more than 20.

“So if you say ‘close the Senate,’ you can be sure that there will be a day when people will cry foul of the tyranny of the majority.

“But you come to the Senate, what Kano state produces in the Senate is what Bayelsa produces – three Senators in Kano and you have three Senators from Bayelsa.

“That gives everyone the advantage and the opportunity to be represented fully and properly and equally in the Senate. So that stabilises the system.

“That tells you that that representation in the Senate that provides equality of states is to work to ensure that every part of this country is fully represented and protected.”

The Senate President said the National Assembly is allocated less than one percent of the National Budget yearly.

“So where is the remaining 99 percent. Yet instead of trying to see how the 125 billion to 128 billion naira will be utilised by the National Assembly system, what will be the output from the National Assembly, how useful are the output to the Nigerian public, we will always argue ‘cut the funding to the National Assembly.’ ‘Its bogus.’

“I’m not here to defend the National Assembly but I’m here to encourage a debate on what the National Assembly means to us as a country or what our legislature means to us as a country and as a people.

“If you don’t like the set of members in the Ninth National Assembly, change all of us in 2023. Get better people but help support the system to function because that is your protection,” Lawan said.

By Tobiloba Kolawole

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Gbajabiamila Distraught Over Newspaper Vendor’s Killing by Security Officer Attached to Convoy

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 20, 2020

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FB_IMG_1591792653217 — File Photos: Speaker, Nigeria House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila at a meeting with Ministers of Health, Osagie Ehanire and Olorunimbe Mamora; DG, Budget office, Ben Akabueze and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to avert nationwide strike.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has sadly recounted how a security officer attached to his convoy killed a newspapers’ vendor in Abuja.

The vendor, who’s simply identified as Ifeanyi, was fell by stray bullets when security men attached to the speaker shot into the air to disperse “unidentified men” who obstructed the convoy.

Gbajabiamila described the incident as horrible, saying he’s “personally distraught” and offered his deepest sympathies to the deceased’s family and Abuja vendors.

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The speaker added that as someone who has value for human life and respect for all people – irrespective of social economic status, he has caused a report to be made to the local police station and an investigation has commenced.

Gbajabiamila also said the security officer who fired the fatal shot has been suspended from the convoy pending the conclusion of the investigation.

According to him, “A horrible incident has taken place. This evening (November 19) as I left the National Assembly, I stopped as usual to exchange pleasantries with the newspaper vendors at the corner. Many of them have known me since I first moved to Abuja and it was a friendly exchange.

“Unfortunately, after the convoy set out in continuation of movement, unidentified men obstructed the convoy which got the attention of security men in the convoy who shot into the air to disperse them.

“Some hours later, after getting to our destination, it was brought to my attention that someone was hit by a stray bullet, contrary to an earlier report by men in the convoy that they applied their security discretion to shoot in the air.

“I have caused a report to be made to the local police station and an investigation has commenced.

Police Reform to Ensure Accountability to Citizens, Good Welfare for Officers – Reps

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 19, 2020

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Femi gbajabiamila on police reform — Speaker, House of Representatives, addressing stakeholders at the 9th House Legislative Agenda Public Policy Dialogue Series with the theme 'Policing/Human Rights in Nigeria, Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Nigeria, Femi Gbajabiamila has called on all well-meaning Nigerians to make inputs toward the enactment of the Police Service Commission (Reform) Bill.

Addressing stakeholders at the 9th House Legislative Agenda Public Policy Dialogue Series with the theme ‘Policing/Human Rights in Nigeria,’ Gbajabiamila affirmed that the House’s reform objectives include wholesale reviews of police recruitment and training procedures and practices.

The Speaker noted that the reform includes an obligation to drastically and rapidly improve the welfare and wellbeing of police officers from recruitment through to retirement.

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“As we expect more from the men and women who carry arms and take risks to protect us, we must also be ready to do right by them, and by their families. They too are our citizens; they are our brothers and sisters deserving of the best that our nation can offer.

“I want to assure all of you in this room, all of you who are watching today from wherever you are, the 9th House of Representatives will do everything we can to deliver for the Nigerian people a policing system that works for every citizen.

“We will talk, we will engage, we will change laws, and we will amend the Constitution subject to the consensus of the Nigerian people.

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We will do everything that we have the power to do so that when the account of this moment is given, we will be counted for making the right choices and doing justice by our people,” he said.

He said the issue of Police Reform has since the inauguration of the 9th House been one of the fundamental commitments of the Green Chamber.

“This is because we recognise that the policing function is at the very heart of any fully functioning state. It is through the institution, mechanisms and resources of policing that the state can protect the welfare and wellbeing of its citizens.

“Without the ability to offer this protection, the state loses legitimacy and the authority that flows from there. A society that cannot effectively police itself ceases to exist, and a government that fails to protect its citizens has lost the right to continue in office.”

“This is why we must commend the present administration which inherited a flawed policing system and is now taking giant steps to reform the system through the recently enacted Police Reform Act, 2020 and several other measures. But the work is far from done, & we must continue”

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“We will have succeeded in building modern and effective Police when service in the Nigeria Police Force consistently attracts the best and brightest in our country without objection.”

In a remark, the Chairman of the House Committee on Implementation and Monitoring of the Legislative Agenda, Rep. Henry Nwawuba also stated that the 9th House has committed itself to seeking collective and holistic ways to find lasting solutions to our national needs.

Noting that his committee was set up to ensure that the House meets its agenda and live up to its best aspirations and objectives, Nwawuba said the dialogue was an innovative step in the Bill process to get stakeholders’ buy-in even before the presentation of the Bill.

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For Non-compliance with Regulatory Standards, Lagos Shuts 16 Health Facilities

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 19, 2020

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The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has shut 16 health facilities across the state for non-compliance with regulatory standards.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Abiola Idowu, while reviewing the activities of the agency for the month of September and October, 2020.

She explained that out of 280 health facilities monitored in the months under review, 16 facilities were shut for infractions, ranging from quackery, operating beyond schedule, lack of qualified medical personnel to non-registration of facilities, training of auxiliary nurses and lack of basic equipment.

Idowu noted that the Sanwo-Olu administration would not tolerate any unprofessional practice, which could compromise the health and the well-being of patients and undermine the huge investment of the state government in qualitative healthcare delivery.

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She added that any facility owner or operator found perpetrating any of these acts would be prosecuted accordingly and the facility sealed.

“These unethical practices could compromise the health status of patients and undermine the huge investment of the government in qualitative healthcare delivery.

“Hence, any healthcare facility owner or operator found perpetrating any of these acts will be prosecuted accordingly and the facility sealed,” idowu said.

While clarifying that health facilities earlier sealed could be reopened after all standards and instructions have been observed and approval granted by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, the Executive Secretary noted that 14 facilities were reopened in the two months under review after complying with the set standards.

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She maintained that the agency would continue to insist that the environment for the delivery of healthcare services should be suitable for the promotion and maintenance of good health.

Idowu urged health facility operators to abide strictly by all stipulated standards to avoid being sanctioned, adding that they should also complete their online registration or renewal using the HEFAMAA e-portal, collect the agency’s logo and display it at a conspicuous position in the premises where visible to members of the public.

Disclosing that the agency attended to eight petitions from members of the public in the month of October, the Executive Secretary advised the people to be vigilant and patronise only government-accredited health facilities with the agency’s logo or proof of registration, advising the public to report those behind illegal operations for prompt action.

Idowu hinted that the agency recently held a stakeholders’ session to develop a five-year strategic plan, which according to her, would point the way forward in policy formulation for the agency in the next few years.

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According to her, “Some of the key areas we are focusing on include leveraging technology to provide efficient services, training and retraining of HEFAMAA staff and facility operators, increasing community participation and health education as well as increasing our engagements with stakeholders and the general public.

“It is our belief that the strategic plan will go a long way in addressing most of the issues raised by stakeholders and the general public as well as provide the agency with the opportunity to achieve the vision of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration in safeguarding the health and the well-being of the citizens.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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You Left Our Party for APC Because of Personal Reasons, PDP Replies Umahi

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 19, 2020

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images (24) — Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tackled Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, of his defection to All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the governor left the opposition party for “personal reasons,” which Nigerians would come to know at the fullness of time.

While thanking Umahi for services rendered to the people of Ebonyi State, as the state chairman of the party (2003 to 2007); deputy governor (2007 to 2015) and two term governor of Ebonyi State (2015 till date), all elected on the platform of the opposition party, PDP wished him “all the best in his adventure.”

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“We call on the members of our party to remain calm and committed to the ideals of our party as no individual is bigger than PDP,” the party noted.

Meanwhile, PDP National Working Committee (NWC) Tuesday held a crucial meeting where it announced the dissolution of the ward, local government and state executive committees of Ebonyi State chapter of the party forthwith.

NWC also dissolved the South-east Zonal Caretaker Committee of the party.

These decisions were pursuant to the powers conferred on NWC by PDP Constitution.

Following the dissolution of Ebonyi State executive members of the party, NWC has constituted a state caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of PDP in the state in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

Members of Ebonyi State Caretaker Committee include: Fred Udeogu (Chairman); Luke Nkwegu (Secretary); Gideon Osi (Publicity Secretary); James Alaka (Organising Secretary); Amaka Igboke (Women Leader); Mudi Irenede (Legal Adviser); and Ibeshi (Youth Leader).

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“The decision of the NWC in this regard is pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the provisions of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

“All our leaders, members and teeming supporters in Ebonyi State and the South-east are by this guided accordingly,” the party said.

Idowu Sowunmi

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President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 19, 2020

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images (23) — Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari receives in audience Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi.

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it “as a bold move driven purely by principle rather than opportunistic motives.”

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Reacting to the defection, President Buhari said:

“I am proud of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance with his conscience and principles rather than any external influence or coercion.”

According to the President, “Good governance is very important to us in the APC, and I’m glad that the governor has cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”

He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by performance records of parties and their candidates.”

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“Let me once again; commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are in short supply among many. I know people might call him names, but that is the price men of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience and convictions” President Buhari added.

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‘Emergency Security Meeting Deter Presidency from Attending South South Meeting’ – Presidency

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 19, 2020

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FB_IMG_1605767193994 — President Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting in State House on 18th Nov 2020

The Presidency has explained the absence of the federal government delegation at the planned meeting with governors and stakeholders of the South-South region as necessitated by an emergency security meeting summoned by the President, certainly not out of disrespect.

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According to Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Wednesday, the delegation to the meeting, under the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, ministers and heads of security and intelligence agencies were in full readiness to proceed to Port Harcourt until they were directed to stay back for the emergency security meeting.

The presidency spokesman disclosed that the information on the change in plan and regret for the inconvenience caused were conveyed to the hosts of the meeting through what we believed were the right channels.

“As may have been gleaned from the statement read by the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, the extraordinary National Security Council meeting, under the President, was called in view of the gravity of the security situation affecting all parts of the country, including the South-South in the aftermath of the ENDSARS protests, and the need to rise to protect our national security and territorial integrity.

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“The President is strongly and resolutely committed to hearing from leaders, stakeholders and our youth on burning issues affecting all parts of the federation, and to this effect, a new date for the meeting with the South-South will be agreed after due consultations with the parties concerned.

“Once again, the unavoidable postponement of the meeting is regretted” Garba stated.

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Nigeria Grants Flight Resumption to Air France/KLM, Lufthansa & Qatar Airways

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 18, 2020

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The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Tuesday informed Air France/KLM, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways that they could now resume their international flight operations in and out of Nigeria.

The notification for the Federal Government’s approval to these airliners were confirmed in a tweet by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

The minister also explained the effort of the Ministry of Aviation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) and the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to ensure that some other three airports in Nigeria are reopened.

According to him, “We are working with Ministry of Health, CACOVID and the PTF to open Kano, Port Harcourt and possibly Enugu airports before the end of the year.

“Also Lufthansa, Air France/KLM have been given go-ahead to resume operations.

“Qatar Airways is approved to start Abuja.

“Thank you for your patience.”

The Federal Government had March 2020 shut down all airports to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

Domestic flights later resumed in all airports in July while international flights resumed at the Lagos and Abuja airports in September.

Idowu Sowunmi

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We’re Determined to Pass PIB in Six Months, Says Gbajabiamila

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 17, 2020

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images (40) — Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has authoritatively declared that the Green Chamber is determined to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) within the next six months.

“On the PIB, there are two things that the House would want to do. First, the House is determined to pass the bill within the next six months, or probably less, because the clock has already started running from the time it was presented.

“Two, the House is determined to pass a PIB that is satisfactory to all. I know it’s difficult to satisfy everybody, but we will try our best to satisfy everybody,” Gbajabiamila said.

Speaking when he played host to a delegation of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) under Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the speaker said the House would ensure that it carried all stakeholders along in working on the draft legislation until its passage.

The speaker urged members of OPTS led by their Chairman, Mike Sangster, to avail themselves the opportunity they have at hand to reach out to the House Adhoc Committee on PIB to make their inputs.

He expressed concern over the submission by Sangster that PIB in its present form, would not make the Nigerian oil and gas industry competitive globally.

“PIB has been long coming. Because of the various interests, it’s difficult to pass a bill that addresses the interests of everyone. But PIB luckily will involve local content.

“I’m very concerned about what you said that PIB as it is, doesn’t allow Nigeria to compete favourably in the global market,” he said, adding: “We’re not competitive, yet there’s the presence of oil majors here.”

According to him, “We need to look at it, but I think it will be difficult to tell members that we should go back to the old arrangement that we had.

“I need to ask the question that where were you when they were making this law? Your inputs should have been there. It’s never too late for you to have your inputs.

“I’m sure the committee will do justice to the other issues you raised.”

Earlier, Sangster raised concerns about the present form of PIB, which he said if passed the way it is, it would negatively affect Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

He noted that in the past years, the African continent attracted about $70 billion of investment in the oil and gas industry but that only about $3 billion came to Nigeria despite being a major player continentally.

When the speaker sought to know from Sangster if PIB had any positives, OPTS chairman responded in the affirmative, noting that PIB represented the much-needed reforms in the sector.

He noted, however, that in its present form, the bill “doesn’t provide the environment for future investments.”

He raised other issues to include the preservation of the oil and gas business in the country, royalties, tax, how to handle NNPC’s outstanding liabilities, segregation of the upstream and downstream, complexities in the implementation of the bill, among others.

Noting that the petroleum industry had the capacity to create thousands of jobs in the next 10 years, Sangster said: “We would encourage the House to reach out to other sources to have a better analysis of PIB.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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