Activists and representatives within the Akwa Ibom State extractive industry are pressing for legal updates to the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). They are specifically requesting that the share of funds allocated to host community trusts be raised from 3 percent to 7 percent. This proposal emerged from a recent multi-stakeholder dialogue held in Uyo, which centered on environmental governance and local accountability.
Participants, including members of the Akwa Ibom Extractive Justice Alliance, the Clement Isong Foundation, ActionAid Nigeria, and the State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, also targeted Section 257 for reform. They argue that the current law unfairly punishes residents for pipeline vandalism they do not control, and they want this penalty clause eliminated.
The group emphasized that these adjustments are vital for managing local environmental crises. Furthermore, they urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to take a more active role in enforcing environmental safety standards. New demands also include a mandate for 30 percent representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities within Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs). The stakeholders suggested that these trusts should prioritize investments in renewable energy, mangrove restoration, and local entrepreneurship to foster sustainable growth.
