Stakeholders Seek Urgent Oil, Gas Sector Reforms

Stakeholders, experts, and policymakers have called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to enhance economic growth.

The event, described as a landmark gathering, focused on addressing the social, economic, and environmental challenges affecting a sector central to Nigeria’s economy for nearly seven decades.

Speaking at a one-day symposium organised by Classmasters, themed “Nigeria Petroleum Industry: The Way Forward,” held yesterday in Abuja, the managing director of Classmasters Limited, publishers of Development Agenda Magazine, Mr. Paddy Ezeala, emphasised the need for collaboration and innovative solutions to tackle the industry’s challenges.

Discussions at the symposium centred on critical issues, including the environmental consequences of oil production, the impact of insecurity on the sector, and Nigeria’s preparedness for the global shift toward energy transition.

The symposium underscored the importance of knowledge sharing and public awareness about the oil and gas sector, particularly in the context of sustainability and innovation.

“We aim to ensure that all stakeholders understand the complexities of this industry and collaboratively create a path forward that meets global standards,” he stated. “This industry is vital to our economy and national identity. For decades, we have failed to harness its potential fully. There is an urgent need for reforms and a unified strategy.”

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was a significant topic of discussion. Attendees advocated for amendments to address the diverse interests of stakeholders, including environmentalists, host communities, local operators, and international firms.

“No document is flawless, but this symposium aims to generate actionable recommendations to drive meaningful progress,” he noted.

He highlighted the event’s distinctiveness and strong support from key industry players, including NNPC Limited (NNPCL).

“Unlike previous gatherings, the outcomes of this symposium will not be ignored. As an environmentalist, I strongly advocate for mandatory environmental responsibility from all oil companies,” he added.

Participants expressed optimism about producing a comprehensive and actionable document to address critical issues such as energy transition, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic challenges in the oil and gas industry.

For his part, Dr Oshita Oshita, the Executive Director of the Ubuntu Centre for Africa Peacebuilding and Development (UCAP), highlighted the growing security challenges in oil-producing areas.

“The Niger Delta faces evolving security threats that are deeply tied to the dynamics of oil production. Many underlying factors do not make it to the public domain but significantly impact the security landscape,” he remarked.

Oshita also underscored the link between Nigeria’s dependence on oil, often called the “Dutch disease,” and the neglect of oil-bearing communities. “The Niger Delta, despite being the source of the country’s oil wealth, remains one of the most underdeveloped areas. The people of this region see little to no benefit from the resources extracted from their land, fueling resentment and security crises. As long as these grievances persist, the challenges will remain.”

He argued that implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) presents a unique opportunity to address these issues.

“The PIA offers several opportunities that can be leveraged to transform oil-bearing communities and surrounding businesses. While the Act has its challenges, its potential to create a more equitable and sustainable industry cannot be overstated,” he said.