BudgIT charges FG transparent implementation of PIA

…Says subsidy is impacting heavily on govt’s revenue

By Uthman Salami

BudgIT has charged the Federal Government to ensure the  transparent implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and conduct the entity’s operations in line with its mandate.

It further observed that the current cost of petroleum subsidy is impacting heavily on the revenue of the government, calling for timely implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA and dismantling of the subsidy regime.

Speaking  on the government’s decision to suspend subsidy removal, Adejoke Akinbode, BudgIT’s Extractive Lead, said, “The current cost of petroleum subsidy to Nigeria along with other socio-economic implications necessitates its removal. Nevertheless, a couple of palliative measures must be in place for subsidy removal to gain public acceptance.”

Reviewing progress so far made in the implementation of the law, BudgIT, noted that subsidy removal, a critical aspect of the PIA which was due for implementation, was put on hold adding that this aspect should have been implemented six months after the passage of the PIA.

The organisation said however, the Federal Government extended the timeframe for the complete removal of fuel subsidy because it needed to put necessary structures in place to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal on the citizens.

After over two decades, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) finally became law when President Muhammadu Buhari signed it in August 2021.

The Act is meant to promote transparency, good governance, and accountability in Nigeria’s petroleum resources administration and encourage local cum foreign investments.

However, despite these expectations, the PIA has been met with mixed reactions, especially in oil-producing communities, necessitating urgent advocacy and engagements to scale up public enlightenment, promote conversations and improve public perception regarding the PIA.

While stipulated timelines are specified for the Act’s implementation and operationalisation, the government has also taken the necessary steps to effectuate actions.

BudgIT, however, said it has keenly followed the transformation of the former Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) into the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). At the same time, the defunct Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) also transitioned into the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

“Another notable action is the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s transitioning into a limited liability company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). The new company, unveiled by President Buhari on July 19, 2022, is now regarded as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited).”

It, however, assured to keep Nigerians abreast of the implementation progress.