From Isaac Job, Uyo
Leaders of oil producing communities in the South-south region have received leadership training on the provisions in Petroleum Industry Act( PIA) established in 2021 .
Addressing participants in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital on Thursday , the Executive Director of African Centre Leadership , Strategy and Development Mr Monday Osasah while lauding the participants drawn from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River and Rivers for their show of commitment towards the capacity building training maintained that experience from the workshop will build their capacity to handle issues in the PIA within their communities.
“There is a need for you to have a strategic plan to guide what you do on a daily basis. If you are operating without a strategic plan what you are simply saying you are ignorant of what is happening in your environment. So when we come to forum like this we use the opportunity to encourage people to be professional in what they are doing.
He recalled that the advocacy for Petroleum Industry law started in 2013 when the agitation for passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill started adding that the centre was glad that in 2021 the Petroleum Industry Act came into existence.
“Right now there’s also a guideline that will determine and shape how the PIA will be implemented, which is why we are here today.
” When the guideline for the PIA came out the need for us to popularize it among the host communities became imperative.
“Last week we started with five states in Awka Anambra state. The states that came to Anambra state were Ondo , Delta, Imo, Anambra, and Abia states.
“Our vision is to work with forces of positive change to empower citizens to transform the society. And all of you seated here are part of the forces of positive change”
In his goodwill message, Akwa Ibom state commissioner for Environment Hon Uno Etim Uno said commended the centre for effort to enhance strategic leadership skills and understanding of the Host
Communities Provision in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for leaders of oil and gas-producing
host communities.
“I have been well informed that the objectives of this training are to equip leaders with a
comprehensive understanding of the PIA, empower them with strategic leadership skills to
mobilize stakeholders to effectively engage IOCâs and enhance their capacity to facilitate
inclusive and sustainable development in their communities.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Head of Petroleum Services in the Ministry of Environment Engr Anietie Emah explained that the initiative aims to improve the legal and institutional framework of the extractive sector and enhance the living standards of women and other marginalized groups in host communities.
“As we are aware, the PIA is aimed at establishing good governance, best practices, and ease of
doing business in the oil and gas industry by attempting to clarify roles and responsibilities
of officials to regulate activities in the subsector.
” It is pertinent to note that the obligation for which this training is organized will serve as a robust platform for exquisite and insightful discussions to achieve laudable milestones that will engender development and the anticipated contributions from all stakeholders,” he said
