The Presidency on Monday said that the version of the Petroleum Industry Bill presently in circulation is fake insisting that the PIB which was approved by the Federal Executive Council recently was still undergoing finishing touches by relevant government agencies.
In a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, the presidency advised the public to ignore the current PIB document in circulation.
Mr Abati in the statement said that once the relevant agencies complete work on the document, it would be sent to the National Assembly on the seal of the President.
“The Presidency has noted with concern and dismay that a document alleged to be the new Petroleum Industry Bill is now in circulation and has even been published on some websites.
“Before the country is assailed once again with talk about the promulgation of this very important national law being hindered yet again by the existence of multiple versions, the Presidency wishes to categorically disown the document currently being circulated and published as the new Petroleum Industry Bill.
“Following the consideration and approval of its contents by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting last week, the authentic new Petroleum Industry Bill is still being finalised by relevant government departments and readied to be forwarded to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Upon its delivery to the National Assembly under the official seal of the President, the authentic new Petroleum Industry Bill will be available to all interested parties.
“The general public and all stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry are, therefore, advised to ignore the document currently in circulation as it is totally fake and lacking in authenticity.”
