New PIB: Ijaw Youths Urge Niger Delta legislators to oppose removal of Host Community Development Fund

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on legislators from the Niger Delta region to oppose the removal of Host Community Development Fund from the new version of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a new version of the PIB, which removes the Host Community Development Fund as proposed in the earlier version, has been re-presented at the National Assembly.

Mr Eric Omare, the spokesman for IYC, said the proposal was retrogressive and should be opposed by all legislators, especially those from the Niger Delta region in both chambers of National Assembly.

``The oil community development fund is a laudable initiative aimed at making oil producing communities stakeholders in the oil resources that is produced in their communities and address sabotage and associated challenges.

``We call on members of the National Assembly, especially those from the Niger Delta region, to reject this oppressive, anti-Niger Delta and retrogressive decision.

``The IYC enjoin Nigerians and men of conscience to reject this decision,” Omare said.

It will be recalled that the earlier version of the PIB was presented before the 7th National Assembly.

The original bill, however, could not be passed by the two chambers of the 7th Assembly and had to be re-introduced as a fresh bills and will have to pass through the legislative procedure in the 8th Assembly. (NAN)