By Christiana Ekpa
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the parliament will develop a clearer roadmap to its role in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He said that as the representatives of the people, it was incumbent on the lawmakers to ensure that the law is used for the overall benefit of the citizenry.
Kalu made the declaration while delivering his welcome remarks at the opening of the 2-Day retreat for members of the House of Representatives on Economic Transformation & Development: Towards Effective Implementation of the Petroleum Industry Reform
Act (2021) and Tax Reforms/Modernization with the theme “Navigating Change: Legislative
Strategies for Economic Transformation” in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Deputy Speaker said that the PIA represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey to reform its oil and gas sector, adding that it has the potential to unlock vast economic opportunities and guide Nigeria towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
He however said that the real challenge with the Act is in its effective implementation.
He said: “This retreat provides a critical platform to strategize on how the House of Representatives can ensure the successful execution of this landmark legislation.
“The role of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, in this process cannot be overstated. We are the custodians of the people’s will, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the lofty ideals enshrined in the PIA are translated into tangible benefits for all Nigerians.
“This retreat serves as a critical forum for us to collectively strategize on how to fulfill this vital mandate. This retreat is designed to be a springboard for action. By its conclusion, we aim to achieve a multi-pronged outcome. We will emerge with a deeper understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its impact on the oil and gas sector and our national development goals.”
