TUC Wants NASS To Pass PIB

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers State, has enjoined
the National Assembly to facilitate the quick passage of the Petroleum Industry
Bill (PIB) currently before it.

The state chairman of the union, Comrade Chika Onuegbu made
the call in Port Harcourt in an exclusive interview.

He said the objectives of the bill were good for the development
of the nation and the petroleum sector of the economy, and stressed that the
bill will create the necessary business environment for the petroleum industry
operations in the country.

He said the union supports the bill because there are
clauses that would fast track the development of the country, promote
transparency and openness in the administration of petroleum resources in
Nigeria.

The TUC boss said the National Assembly should pass the bill
in order to create efficient and effective regulatory agencies in the petroleum
industry, which will facilitate the protection of health, safety and the
environment in the course of petroleum operations.

On the issue of the ownership of the oil and gas resource
the TUC boss said the host communities where exploration and exploitation of
these natural resources are taking place, should be considered for adequate
attention by the government.

Meanwhile, the PIB emphasised that the ownership of
petroleum resources under or upon any lands within Nigeria, its territorial
waters, or which forms part of its continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic
zone is vested under the control of the Federal Government.

He called for true federalism where states would
develop  on the basis of their
comparative advantages and stressed that Nigeria needs true fiscal federalism,
transparent and good governance in the interest of the development of the
country.