May 21, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has again called on the National Assembly to review the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to enable state governments in oil-producing areas play statutory roles in the oversight of development projects in host communities.
Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the call on Wednesday during the 2025 edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair (NOGOF), held at the Nigerian Content Towers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
He noted that although the PIA empowers oil-bearing communities to directly receive oil proceeds, the burden of resolving disputes arising from the mismanagement of such funds often falls on the state government.
“The current PIA does not assign any responsibility to the state governments but leaves them with numerous liabilities. When International Oil Companies (IOCs) bypass the state and engage directly with communities that lack the structures to manage such investments, it often leads to conflict,” he said.
Governor Diri urged the National Assembly to amend the law to provide clearly defined roles for state governments, adding that both IOCs and indigenous oil firms were guilty of excluding state authorities from key decisions.
He also expressed displeasure over the exclusion of the Bayelsa State Government during the divestment of assets by Shell and Agip, despite the companies operating in the state for over seven decades.
“During the divestment process, we made concerted efforts for a portion of the shares to be allocated to the state, but our request was ignored. Unfortunately, some of the new indigenous owners have not demonstrated improved operational practices,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry Through Indigenous Capacity Development,” the governor commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its foresight.
He, however, challenged the board to assess its past achievements and develop a clear roadmap for future youth capacity development.
“The theme is quite compelling. But we must ask: What capacity are we building, for whom, and where are we in that journey? Progress cannot be made without a critical reflection on past milestones and challenges,” he said.
Governor Diri also drew attention to what he described as the unfair treatment of Bayelsa, noting that despite contributing over 60 percent of feedstock to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project, the state derives little benefit.
In her remarks, Chairperson of the House Committee on Local Content, Hon. Boma Goodhead, assured that the National Assembly would continue to enact laws and provide oversight to improve productivity and accountability in the sector.
“Local content goes beyond Nigerian participation; it is about in-country value addition, ensuring that a significant portion of the industry’s value chain is developed locally,” she said.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described NOGOF as a national platform that stimulates investment across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas sector.
He urged participants to move beyond discussions and initiate meaningful partnerships and investments that will redefine the industry’s future.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said NOGOF 2025 coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, and would showcase vast opportunities across the value chain.
According to Ogbe, the event also aims to promote innovation through initiatives like the Nigerian Oil and Gas Technology (NOGTECH) Hackathon, which supports digital transformation and sustainable solutions in the sector.
“With key projects like UBETA, Bonga North, and Zabazaba coming on stream, we are seeing great opportunities for Nigerian companies to expand their capacity and capabilities,” he said.
Ogbe also assured that the ongoing NOGOF Conference Hotel project will be completed and ready to serve participants by the next edition of the fair.
In a goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to building an inclusive energy sector that fosters industrialisation and creates sustainable jobs for Nigerians.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
