Lawmaker representing Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency, Kwara State, Zakari Mohammed has explained that Northern legislators were previously opposed to some sections of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), because it gave too much power to the then Minister of Petrole
Zakari stated that there was no time the Northern legislators opposed the Bill, saying that outside the South-South that produce crude oil; there are solid minerals in other parts of the Country.
“All we wanted is a broader PIB that is all encompassing. So, to say that the North never supported the PIB is entirely wrong; we just wanted the specifics included, particularly the solid minerals and avoiding too much powers being placed in the office of any serving Minister”.
Member representing Ilesha/Atakumosa East/West Federal Constituency, Osun State, Abiodun Famurewa also stated that those in the South-West legislators initially did not support the Bill because it was not broad enough.
“We wanted an all- encompassing Bill that will capture the solid minerals because some of us here are naturally endowed with solid resources. In my Constituency, Atakumosa East-West, we have gold in large commercial quantities. But as you know we can’t explore it because it’s in the Exclusive List”.
He pointed out that Lagos presently has oil, emphthat Lagos presently has oil, emphasizing that the South West’s position remains that the Bill should be broadened, to accommodate all resources that are both solid and liquid.
