This week, RemTracker highlights key legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing safety standards in gas sites, promoting renewable energy, and addressing environmental challenges within Nigeria’s extractive sector, alongside the latest updates on the proposed federal university of mining and geo-sciences.
Investigation into gas flaring safety standards
On Tuesday in the House of Representatives, Rep. Harrison Anozie Nwadike (APC, Imo) called for an investigation into compliance with safety standards in gas flaring operations to protect lives in oil-producing communities. He emphasized the responsibility of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to enforce health, safety, and environmental standards as mandated by the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution Regulations) 2018.
Despite existing regulations, gas flaring continues to pose significant health risks and contribute to environmental degradation. In response to this motion, the House resolved to urge the NUPRC to intensify monitoring and enforcement of safety measures, called on the federal ministry of environment to assess the impacts of gas flaring, and mandated the committee on safety standards and regulations to conduct an investigative hearing on compliance with these regulations.
An Ajaokuta Trust Fund?
Rep. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem (APC, Kogi) introduced a bill in the House of Representatives aimed at establishing the Ajaokuta Special Trust Fund. This proposed fund is designed to provide financial resources specifically for completing the Ajaokuta Steel Company and ensuring access to necessary raw materials for modern engineering equipment and infrastructural development.
The bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Ajaokuta Special Trust Fund to Provide Funds Specially for the Completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Needed Raw Materials for Commercial Purposes, especially to Produce the required Modern Engineering Equipment(s) and Building Materials such as Iron, Steel, Chassis Vehicle Engines, Bronze, Copper(s) and such other Construction and Mining Infrastructural Development including Training and Re-training of Staff for Effective and Efficient Performance and for Related Matters (HB.1160) emphasises the importance of training and retraining staff for effective performance in these sectors, ultimately contributing to local production capabilities and job creation.
The bill passed its second reading on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and has been referred to the House committee on steel for further legislative action.
READ ALSO: Reps urges eco friendly disposal of seized stolen crude
Renewable energy in government agencies
Rep. Esosa Iyawe (LP, Edo) has proposed a motion urging the federal government to adopt renewable energy solutions across its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). With Nigeria grappling with an energy crisis heightened by reliance on fossil fuels, this initiative seeks to reduce operational costs while enhancing energy security.
Following this motion, the House resolved to call for immediate action to implement renewable energy solutions in government facilities and schools, aligning with global climate commitments and promoting sustainable practices. Further discussions on these resolutions have been referred to the committee on renewable energy for swift implementation.
Professional disposal of stolen crude oil
During the House plenary on Thursday, Rep. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) raised concerns regarding the disposal practices of crude oil recovered from oil thieves and illegal refineries by ‘Operation Delta Safe’ Joint Task Force.
The current practice of burning recovered crude have been deemed environmentally harmful and ineffective as deterrents against oil theft. Consequently, the House resolved to urge the federal government to adopt eco-friendly disposal methods for seized crude oil while involving environmental experts in these processes. Additionally, resolutions include mandating the national assembly to consider amending the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, to ensure that oil companies reserve employment opportunities for eligible indigenes of host communities and mandating the committee on legislative compliance to ensure adherence to these resolutions.
Senate adopts report on mining and geo-sciences varsity
Senator Mohammed Dandutse Muntari (APC, Katsina) presented a report from the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND concerning the Federal University of Mining and Geo-sciences, Jos (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.12). This report underscores the critical need for advancing education in mining and geo-sciences to support Nigeria’s extractive sector by equipping future professionals with essential skills for development. The bill which was sponsored by Diket Plang, (APC, Plateau) seeks to upgrade the existing Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geo-Sciences (NIMG), Jos into a federal university.
Following its passage in the Senate on Tuesday, it will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being sent to the President for assent.
As these legislative initiatives progress, RemTracker remains committed to providing timely updates on developments impacting Nigeria’s extractive industries. Stay tuned for our next episode!
