April 15, 2012
Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources,
Federal Secretariat,
Abuja,
Nigeria
Attention: Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke
RE: PASSAGE OF THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY BILL (PIB)
We, the undersigned concerned citizens and members of the Spaces for Youth Development and Social Change (SPACES FOR CHANGE), write to enquire about the status of the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). SPACES FOR CHANGE is a non-profit, human rights organization working to infuse human rights into social and economic decision-making processes and platforms in Nigeria. Using the human rights framework and youth-centred strategies, the organization works to increase the participation of the youth, marginalized groups and communities in public decision making, and empower them to become strong advocates of social and economic justice.
Recalling that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources set up a committee on January 17, 2012 to accelerate the passage of the PIB, and make such inputs to the Bill that address the challenges of both the downstream and the upstream sectors of the petroleum industry, we are deeply concerned that months after the setting up of the committee, there is very scanty information regarding the progress made, and current status of the work undertaken by the Committee towards actualizing the passage of the Bill.
Since its introduction over 4 years ago, the PIB continues to face persistent setbacks to its passage despite the Bill’s enormous prospects for improving the technical, operational and regulatory efficiency in oil industry operations, and through enhanced efficiency expected to reduce oil waste, corruption and environmental degradation. In addition, the new regulatory ethics offers systems and mechanisms that balance a wide variety of technological, economic, political and social interests with the goal of maintaining a forward-looking and broad-based environmental polity.
We recognize the passage of the PIB as a catalyst for the entrenchment of probity, transparency and accountability in the Nigerian oil industry. Due to the gravity, range and magnitude of the human rights abuses and risks associated with the oil industry operations, we respectfully request the Committee’s processes and activities to be made more inclusive, participatory and all-encompassing in order to ensure that the voices, concerns, priorities and perspectives of the oil bearing communities, the youth and critical stakeholders are reflected in the final document.
We would appreciate a prompt response. For comments or questions, please contact SPACES FOR CHANGE via [email protected] and [email protected]
Ma, as we look forward to your response, please accept our assurances of high regard for your office and person.
Recalling that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources set up a committee on January 17, 2012 to accelerate the passage of the PIB, and make such inputs to the Bill that address the challenges of both the downstream and the upstream sectors of the petroleum industry, we are deeply concerned that months after the setting up of the committee, there is very scanty information regarding the progress made, and current status of the work undertaken by the Committee towards actualizing the passage of the Bill.
Since its introduction over 4 years ago, the PIB continues to face persistent setbacks to its passage despite the Bill’s enormous prospects for improving the technical, operational and regulatory efficiency in oil industry operations, and through enhanced efficiency expected to reduce oil waste, corruption and environmental degradation. In addition, the new regulatory ethics offers systems and mechanisms that balance a wide variety of technological, economic, political and social interests with the goal of maintaining a forward-looking and broad-based environmental polity.
We recognize the passage of the PIB as a catalyst for the entrenchment of probity, transparency and accountability in the Nigerian oil industry. Due to the gravity, range and magnitude of the human rights abuses and risks associated with the oil industry operations, we respectfully request the Committee’s processes and activities to be made more inclusive, participatory and all-encompassing in order to ensure that the voices, concerns, priorities and perspectives of the oil bearing communities, the youth and critical stakeholders are reflected in the final document.
We would appreciate a prompt response. For comments or questions, please contact SPACES FOR CHANGE via [email protected] and [email protected]
Ma, as we look forward to your response, please accept our assurances of high regard for your office and person.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
For: SPACES FOR CHANGE
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Dear Minister,
I strongly believe this is one Bill whose passage, and subsequent assent to, is long overdue. The effects of its non-passage, and assent to, may not be writ large on our economy now, but that will be self-evident soon, if the Bill doesn’t get passed.
As a result of the delay in passage, since 2008 when the Bill was first introduced in the NASS, we have lost massive investment which has, of course, found its way to other countries with more stable legal, fiscal, regulatroy, and commercial frameworks; other investments are still held in abeyance.
It is trite knowledge that our current level of production cannot be sustained, neither can it grow, without exploration. Our national Reserve Replacement Ratio (RRR) would sure have taken a monumental hit as a result of these incessant delays.
Kindly use every means within your power, including moral suasion, to ensure the passage of the Bill by NASS, as soon as possible, and its assent by the President.
Many thanks in anticipation, of prompt action, and, please, accept the assurances of my highest regard for your office.
Sincerely yours,
Ndubuisi V. Ogwuda
I couldn’t add my signature to the letter. This is a very good advocacy move! Kudos…