Presidency Defends Tinubu's Revenue Order Against PENGASSAN

The Nigerian Presidency, represented by special adviser Bayo Onanuga, responded to criticisms from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) regarding President Bola Tinubu's recent executive order halting revenue deductions from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Onanuga emphasized that the President's actions are grounded in the 1999 Constitution, which grants the executive power to implement federal laws and maintain constitutional order.

PENGASSAN had accused the President of violating the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and claimed that the executive order would cripple the company's ability to fund operations and statutory obligations. However, Onanuga argued that the order is necessary to prevent revenue leakage and ensure that funds are properly allocated to federal, state, and local governments, which were adversely affected by the 2021 PIA.

He criticized PENGASSAN's reaction as a misunderstanding of constitutional supremacy and the legislative framework governing the oil and gas sector.