Ex-World Bank Chief Wants Inclusion Of The Poor In PIB

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) may have other sides, following the suggestion of former Vice President of the World Bank (African Region), Dr Oby Ezekwesili to include the needs of the poor in the bill.

She said this in Abuja, last week  while reacting to some issues raised by the chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon Dakuku Petersided.

Ezekwesili, noted that the right time to add the need of the poor to the PIB was now, before it is passed into law.

Peterside, has called for an all inclusive petroleum legislation that would accommodate both revenue generation and environmental pollution of the oil bearing communities.

According to her, the bill, has not covered enough areas that have direct bearing on the people.

She was of the view that the downstream sector of the petroleum industry bill, ought to spread to protect the interest of all those who are supposed to benefit directly or indirectly from the oil  sector.

The Tide gathered that the PIB may be passed into law in the nearest future, if the present political situation in the country did not degenerate into a crisis.