PIA amendments: Group vows nationwide protest

The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has vowed to mobilise Nigerians for nationwide protests against proposed amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which the group believes could lead to the sale of critical national assets. In a statement issued on Monday, NRM president, Comrade James Jonah Gbudu, said the group is concerned that the planned […]

The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has vowed to mobilise Nigerians for nationwide protests against proposed amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which the group believes could lead to the sale of critical national assets.

In a statement issued on Monday, NRM president, Comrade James Jonah Gbudu, said the group is concerned that the planned changes would weaken the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and erode safeguards provided by the law.

“The PIA, passed into law in 2021 after two decades of delay, is one of the few reforms that provided a clear framework for the oil and gas sector. It is barely four years since it came into effect, and instead of strengthening it, the government wants to dismantle its safeguards,” he said.

The NRM expressed worry that the proposed amendments might open the door to asset sales, which it said could have long-term implications for the country’s economy.

“Our national oil company, which should be a source of pride and revenue for all Nigerians, is being targeted under the guise of reforms. Nigerians will not be passive while their future is auctioned,” Gbudu stated.

He recalled that past privatisations did not deliver sufficient value to citizens and warned that repeating such a process in the oil sector could worsen unemployment and poverty.

Instead of amending the PIA for asset sales, Gbudu urged the government to prioritise transparency and accountability within the NNPCL.

“What Nigerians want is openness. We want to know the real figures, the contracts, the daily production, the inflows and outflows. That is what will build trust and efficiency,” he added.

The NRM said it has begun consultations with civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups and community leaders to resist the proposed changes.

“We are ready to lead Nigerians to the streets if necessary. This is not just about oil, it is about the survival of our commonwealth. If the amendments proceed, we will mobilise nationwide protests,” Gbudu warned.