PIA will ensure accountability in petroleum sector – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) signed by President Muhammadu Buhari will ensure transparency and accountability in the industry and attract investors.

The minister gave the assurances in Washington DC during his engagements with international media organisations including BBC Radio and Television, Bloomberg and Politico.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after a separate interview with the three media organisations, the minister said the new Act would overhaul every aspect of the nation’s oil and gas production.

“The sole purpose of the PIB is to ensure that there is transparency and accountability in the industry and once these are achieved, we will be able to get more investors,’’

Mohammed said he was glad about the news that the President had inaugurated a steering committee for the implementation of the Act.

NAN reports that the Bill signed into law by the President on Monday, had been in the works for nearly two decades.

The minister also reacted to the call by the U.S. urging OPEC and its allies to boost oil output to tackle rising gasoline prices

He said the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) was making efforts to increase the country’s daily production.

“The last time I spoke to DPR, production has increased from 1.6 million to 1.9 million barrels a day.

“ The ultimate is that we should move to 2.5 million barrels production a day.

“We have to engage the IOC and all stakeholders to see that we can overcome all challenges militating against increasing production,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the U.S. President, Joe Biden’s recently expressed the willingness to engage major world oil producers for more supply to help the industry and consumers.

Speaking on electoral reform, Mohammed said the debate around the process, particularly on electronic transfer of results was interesting and robust.

He assured that the best position would be adopted for the country for the delivery of fair, credible elections across the board.

NAN reports the minister is in the U.S. to meet with international media organisations and think tanks on the achievements of President Buhari’s administration and efforts made so far in tackling insurgency, banditry and all form of criminality.

NAN reports that the PIA provides a legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the petroleum industry, development of host communities and related matters. (NAN)