CSR-in-Action Group, a leader in sustainability-driven initiatives globally, successfully convened prominent industry leaders at its recent webinar to discuss the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Themed “Navigating the Shift – Essential Implementation Insights for Businesses”, the event provided a platform for key stakeholders to examine the PIA’s impact on community stakeholders.
Meka Olowola, Director of CSR-in-Action, opened the webinar by highlighting the importance of the event. He said, “We recognise that all stakeholders, particularly businesses, are navigating new territory with the PIA, and their ability to do so effectively is key to the Act’s successful implementation. This is the basis for this event as a part of our constructive engagement process.”
He referenced the research conducted by CSR-in-Action, supported by the Ford Foundation, which underscored critical aspects of the PIA’s implementation. These include a substantial gender imbalance in leadership roles, a lack of comprehensive needs assessments by oil companies, and overall low awareness of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework within communities. This crucial research highlights the need to include these groups in the broader narrative of Nigeria’s oil and gas reform.
The event featured esteemed panellists, including Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI; Mr. Dayo Okusami, Partner, Templars; Akinbambo Ibidapo-Obe, General Manager and Head of Commercial at Oando Energy Resources; Glory Alexander Thomas, Secretary Management of the Ibeno HCDT; and Eugenia Onyiriuka, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Assa North HCDT. These leaders shared valuable insights on how implementing the PIA is reshaping Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly in promoting transparency, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.
A key highlight of the webinar was the discussion about the governance challenges of the PIA. Dr Orji Ogbonnaya stated “The PIA is being implemented agency by agency without a coordinated, comprehensive strategy to guide the process. This is a major concern, as a stakeholders-driven, coordinated implementation plan, involving civil society, companies, and government is key to ensuring transparency and accountability. Without such coordination, agencies may avoid pushing the boundaries of transparency and accountability.”
