Heritage, Oando/Agip, NEPL, oil majors threaten Isoko alternative energy quest with non-disclosure of 3% PIA funds
In August 2021, the Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 was passed. The PIA, which was signed into law, is one of the most audacious attempts to overhaul the petroleum sector in Nigeria. The Act seeks to provide legal, governance, regulatory, and fiscal framework for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.
With a promise to accelerate the economic and social development of communities in the petroleum-producing areas, the Act made new arrangements for fostering sustainable prosperity within the host communities; providing direct social and economic benefits from petroleum operations to the host communities such as Isoko. Yet, communities, such as Olomoro, with the highest pipelines running through any community in Nigeria is littered with under development, lack of infrastructure, lack of youth employment, poor health facilities, oil spills and more. It is the sane story across all the oil and gas rich communities in Isokoland.
The Isoko ethnic tribes are no longer going to stay passive. The decision to uncover the audacity that makes it possible for the 3% Host Community OPEX due to the natives and all who reside in Isokoland can no longer be swept under the rug