Bayelsa Governor Urges National Assembly to Amend PIA, Strengthen State Roles in Oil Sector
By Ikojie Emmanuel
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the National Assembly to review and amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to grant state governments a more active role in the oversight and development of oil-producing communities.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunities Forum (NOGOF) held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Governor Diri—represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo—criticized the existing structure of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs). According to him, the current framework largely sidelines state governments and entrusts significant financial resources to community-run entities that lack formal accountability mechanisms.
“While oil-bearing communities are granted direct access to oil proceeds, state governments are left to manage the disputes and unrest that often arise from poor management and conflict within these communities,” the governor noted.
Governor Diri emphasized the need for a more structured and state-led approach to the planning and execution of development projects in host communities. He argued that state governments possess the administrative capacity and governance structures required to ensure transparency and impact in project delivery.
The governor also voiced strong concerns over the exclusion of state governments from the divestment processes of international oil companies (IOCs). He pointed out that despite their stake and interest, states were left out of key negotiations and joint venture arrangements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
Diri criticized the federal government for failing to protect the interests of oil-producing states during these transitions. He further accused some indigenous companies that acquired IOC assets of perpetuating the same environmental and operational negligence as their predecessors.
Commenting on the theme of this year’s forum—“Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry Through Indigenous Capacity Development”—the governor applauded the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its ongoing efforts in boosting local participation and fostering sustainable growth in the sector
