PIA: Reps Hold Retreat For Members

By Ayodele Oni

To further enhance knowledge of members about the Petroleum Industry Act, (PIA),the House of Representatives has scheduled a two-day retreat for Members, on Tuesday.

It is also to strengthen their legislative and oversight capacity, as well as foster collaborative efforts towards economic development and tax reforms.

Akin Rotimi Jr. Spokesman/ Chairman, House Committee on Media & Public Affairs disclosed on Friday that the retreat, which holds in Abuja, is expected to be declared open by President Bola Tinubu,

He stated that “With the theme: Navigating Change: Legislative Strategies for Economic Transformation, the events will be jointly held with support from some government agencies and private firm.

“These include Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung.

“A strategic initiative of the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives to collaborate with legislative support institutions and partners to sustain capacity development programmes for Members.

“In alignment with its Legislative Agenda which prioritizes Economic Growth and Development, the People’s House acknowledges the crucial role of the legislature in shaping the economic trajectory of a nation, as well as influencing the economic environment (directly and indirectly) through its lawmaking and oversight powers.

“Thus, this retreat is designed to further deepen the understanding of Members on the significance of the Petroleum Industry Act in transforming the oil and gas sector.

“Objectives also include exploring parliament’s role in tax reforms, and the importance of effective oversight in public financial management and tax administration, among others.

“Stakeholders expected at the 2-day retreat include: Mele Kolo Kyari; Group CEO, NNPCL, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil & Gas, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji; Executive Secretary, NEITI and Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu; Chairman, ICPC.

“Others are Taiwo Oyedele; Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, FCA; Chairman, FIRS, Wale Edun; Minister of Finance, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON; Minister of Budget and National Planning, and Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Distinguished guests include Senator Godswill Akpabio; President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; Speaker of the 5th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh; 10th Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, and Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, among others.

“The event will feature panel and interactive sessions that will equip participants with practical tools and strategies to effect meaningful legislative and oversight work.”