The controversial Petroleum Industry Bill will be passed by end of the first quarter of 2021, President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan has said.
Lawan also promised that the Senate will ensure the passage of the Electoral Reforms Bill before the second quarter of 2021, just as the amendment to the 1999 Constitution is also on top of the priority list of the Senate.
The President of the Senate has also assured that the issue of security would be paid serious attention through a more robust synergy with the executive arm of government.
Lawan stated all these in his 2021 New Year Message that he personally signed.
He stated, “More importantly, some critical legislations that we could not enact in 2020 as a result of the unusual development which I have mentioned are now on the priority list of the Legislative Agenda of the National Assembly for 2021.
“Topmost on the priority list are the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which we need, to boost activities in our oil and gas sector. The PIB has defied passage for about two decades but we are determined this time around to break that jinx and pass the Bill by the end of the first quarter of the new year.
“It is our utmost desire to make the passage of the PIB one of the legacies of the ninth National Assembly. Equally important is the passage of the Electoral Reform Amendment Bill. This is necessary in order to enhance the democratic process of free, fair, transparent and credible elections in our dear country.
“We are determined to pass the Electoral Reforms Bill before the second quarter of 2021. Also on our priority list in 2021 is the amendment to the 1999 Constitution, which is the grundnorm of our being together as a nation. We have it on our agenda to pull through the process of a constitutional amendment in 2021. The process which started in 2020 requires extensive consultations and the buy-in of everybody.
“The issue of security in the country has always been top on our agenda and it will continue to be of utmost priority in 2021. We hope to sustain our collaboration with the Executive for a lasting solution that will make our country a safer place to live in.”
On the second phase of the outbreak of COVID-19, the President of the Senate said, “We will give accelerated consideration to any measures proposed towards the containment of the virus.
In this regard, the National Assembly is waiting for the Executive to propose supplementary appropriation for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine. In the meantime, we should continue to adhere strictly to the non-pharmaceutical protocols as prescribed by relevant health authorities.
“Our hope to do all these and accomplish much more in the new year lies in the unity of purpose of the ninth National Assembly. The Assembly has been approaching issues in a bipartisan and patriotic manner right from the onset of the current dispensation.”
