Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Abuja on Sunday as the Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria launched a campaign against proposed federal legislation. The group strongly opposes the National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations Bill of 2024, which would establish another regulatory body.
Executive Director Abba Henry criticized the measure as wasteful government spending during a financial crisis. He argued that two existing agencies already possess the authority to oversee decommissioning work. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority currently handle such responsibilities, Henry said. Adding a third organization would create regulatory overlap and discourage foreign investment, according to the advocacy group.
The activists warned that passage could undermine the Petroleum Industry Act, which took effect just four years ago after decades of debate. ERAN announced plans to lobby lawmakers, hold community forums across oil-producing regions, and pursue legal action if necessary. Henry urged Senate and House leaders to reject the proposal, claiming it would waste billions while the nation struggles with mounting debt.
Executive Director Abba Henry criticized the measure as wasteful government spending during a financial crisis. He argued that two existing agencies already possess the authority to oversee decommissioning work. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority currently handle such responsibilities, Henry said. Adding a third organization would create regulatory overlap and discourage foreign investment, according to the advocacy group.
The activists warned that passage could undermine the Petroleum Industry Act, which took effect just four years ago after decades of debate. ERAN announced plans to lobby lawmakers, hold community forums across oil-producing regions, and pursue legal action if necessary. Henry urged Senate and House leaders to reject the proposal, claiming it would waste billions while the nation struggles with mounting debt.
