The debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has once again been shelved after an attempt by the Senate Majority leader Victor Ndoma-Egba to present the lead debate on the bill, failed in the senate.

There were signs that many lawmakers were not disposed to discussing the bill as some lawmakers questioned the rationale behind starting the debate that may not be completed before the commencement of the Christmas holidays.

However, Senator Ndoma- Egba reminded the lawmakers of the urgent need to begin work on the bill.

Sources told Channels Television that the plans to debate the bill was shot down deliberately by some northern lawmakers who are displeased with some sections of the PIB.

The source said some northern lawmakers are displeased with section 116 of the PIB which stipulates that all upstream petroleum producing company shall remit on a monthly basis 10 percent of its net profit to host communities.