Diri Tasks FG on PIA Review to Resolve Host Community Conflicts
Yenagoa, Nigeria — Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the Federal Government to review the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to end conflicts in Niger Delta oil-producing communities. He warned that the current design of the Act has created division and excluded states and councils that are closest to the people.
Governor Flags Exclusion of States and Councils
Diri made the remarks on Saturday during the book launch, 60th birthday and 25th marriage anniversary of King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, held in Yenagoa. He was responding to comments by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who had linked host community litigations to delays in accessing development funds.
The governor recalled that when the PIA was still a bill under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bayelsa State warned that excluding state and local governments from managing host community entitlements would spark crises. He argued that events since then have confirmed those fears.
Diri Calls the Act a “Time Bomb”
“The PIA, as it was designed, is a time bomb because the Federal Government cut off states and local government councils to deal directly with communities,” Diri said. “It is my submission that the percentage due oil companies conspiratorially reduced from 10 per cent to 3 per cent be reviewed.”
He urged President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate review of the law, stressing that state and local governments are better placed to administer community funds. “The states and councils are closer to the communities and it was wrong to have excluded them. The current situation is a recipe for crisis,” he added.
Minister Highlights Litigations and Illegal Refineries
Earlier, Senator Lokpobiri had spoken about challenges with the PIA’s implementation. As chairman of the event, he said host communities had been unable to access the Petroleum Industry Trust Fund because of ongoing litigations. According to him, the disputes have tied up funds meant for grassroots development.
The Minister also condemned illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta. He warned that such practices degrade the environment and harm livelihoods. “Operators of illegal refineries must desist because their activities continue to destroy the environment we all depend on,” he said.
Broader Debate on PIA Implementation
The PIA, passed in 2021, was designed to overhaul Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and improve host community development. However, its implementation has faced criticism from states, community leaders, and activists. Many argue that the 3 per cent allocation to host communities is too low and that exclusion of state and local governments has deepened mistrust.
Diri’s remarks add to mounting calls for a review of the law. Analysts say the Act must balance federal oversight with local participation to achieve lasting peace in oil-producing areas. The governor insisted that revisiting the contentious clauses would help stabilise host communities and boost trust between the government, oil companies, and residents.
Do you agree that revising the PIA can reduce conflicts in Niger Delta oil communities? Join the conversation on social media with #PIA #NigerDelta #OilCommunities.
Tags: PIA, Douye Diri, Heineken Lokpobiri, Niger Delta, Bayelsa, Host Communities, Petroleum Industry, Oil and Gas
