THE Presidency yesterday raised “concern and dismay” that a document alleged to be the new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was now in circulation and has even been published on some websites.
Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, who raised the alarm on the existence of another alleged PIB, said that the authentic bill was still being finalised by relevant federal agencies in readiness to being forwarded to the National Assembly.
Abati said it was only upon its delivery to the National Assembly “under the official seal of the President,” that the authentic new PIB will be available to all interested parties.
Abati added: “Before the country is assailed once again with talk about the promulgation of this very important national law being hindered yet again by the existence of multiple versions, the Presidency wishes to categorically disown the document currently being circulated and published as the new Petroleum Industry Bill.
“Following the consideration and approval of its contents by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting last week, the authentic new Petroleum Industry Bill is still being finalised by relevant government departments and ready to be forwarded to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Upon its delivery to the National Assembly under the official seal of the President, the authentic new Petroleum Industry Bill will be available to all interested parties. The general public and all stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry are therefore advised to ignore the document currently in circulation as it is totally fake and lacking in authenticity.”
