Stakeholders Demand PIA Remittance Review in Akwa Ibom

Advocates and activists within Akwa Ibom State's extractive justice sector are urging for amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021. They demand an increase in the host community trust remittance from 3% to 7%.

This call was made during a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Natural Resource Governance held in Uyo, organized by various stakeholders including the Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance (AKEJA), Clement Isong Foundation (CIF), and ActionAid Nigeria. The stakeholders also requested the amendment of Section 257 of the PIA to eliminate the provision that reduces the 3% remittance in cases of pipeline vandalization, arguing that host communities should not be penalized for security failures beyond their control.

They emphasized that necessary reviews of the PIA could help host communities tackle environmental challenges effectively. Additionally, they called for the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to be empowered for better environmental safety enforcement and for community participation in Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) to include at least 30% representation for women and youths.