By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Nigerians have created a social media hashtag – #PIB_PublicHearing, as the Senate continues with a two-day public hearing on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
The idea of the hashtag is to demand that lawmakers pass the highly contentious bill in Nigeria’s legislative history into law.
The PIB, originally proposed in 2007, has lingered in the National Assembly till date due to dispute by lawmakers from the different geo-political zones on its provisions. In 2018, the less contentious elements of the bill were separated and passed as the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).
The other contentious areas of the bill, including host community relations with oil companies, licensing right, environmental remediation and others, have continued to linger.
Senate President Ahmed Lawan had also claimed that: “People within and outside the country have been working against the passage of the PIB.”
This current National Assembly headed by Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said they are committed to see the bill passed into law.
According to the order paper of business for the public hearing, stakeholders are expected to present their views on the draft law to reform the oil and gas sector of the economy on January 27 and 28.
For many Nigerians eager to have the PIB passed into law, they seized the opportunity of the social media to amplify their voice.
@Real_jaeflex argued: “The devastating effects of pollution and oil spillage in the Niger Delta region can never be overemphasized, it has deeply affected their livelihood. All of these can be corrected by passing the Petroleum industry bill. #PIB_PublicHearing.”
@_therealola said: “Engage these @nassnigeria legislators on Petroleum Industry Bill as the public hearing starts tomorrow. Send emails to them. Text them to protect the interests of oil producing communities in Niger Delta. These communities matter too @DrAhmadLawan @femigbaja.”
@sheiduhabib also said: “Message your Legislators to ensure the passage of PIB that would foster sustainable prosperity within host communities, provide direct social and economic benefits from petroleum operations in the region. @SmallAlhaji_ @HonIhonvbere @realRochas @NwawubaRt #PIB_PublicHearing.”