By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme
Abuja – The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timpre Silva has commended the National Assembly, for the passage of the PIB, with the support of President Buhari, on his steadfastness and ensuring that the Nigerian oil and gas industry continues to stay on top of the global energy trends and repositioning the industry for growth opportunities.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bitrus Bako Nabasu, disclosed this on Tuesday, in his ministerial address at the 20th edition of the Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference held on 5 – 8 July 2021 with the theme, “Fortifying the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry for Economic Stability and Growth”.
He noted that the NOG conference comes at a time when Nigeria has succeeded as a nation to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which has been in contention for over 16 years.
According to him, the PIB comes at a better time when the entire industry still grapples in crisis due to the Covid-19 Pandemic which created uncertainties in the industry.
He added, “The credit goes to our dear President Muhammadu Buhari for his steadfastness and support towards ensuring that the Nigerian oil and gas industry moves in tandem with the current global realities.
“Congratulations will also go to the 9th National Assembly for their patriotism to pass the Bill. They have written their names in the book.
“We are now on the right direction to witness enormous investment in our oil and gas industry. This administration aims to drive infrastructural development in the country to make life more meaningful to all.
“Natural gas ticks all the boxes to help the government achieve its aspiration. That is why we declared 2021 – 2030 as the Decade of Gas.
“We are indeed committed to our vision. The Decade of Gas has become an integral part of the Federal Government oil and gas roadmap.”
“The ministry of petroleum resources is on track regarding the National Gas Expansion Programme. We will launch the various module of the programme very soon this include but not limited to Autogas powered vehicles, virtual pipelines, among others.
“Nigeria is on track to grow its economy with the energy sources in the country. Currently, Gas will play a major role in achieving that.”