Nigeria Senate Announces Committee to Harmonise PIB With House of Reps, Presidential Assent Expected Next Week

The Nigerian  Senate has announced a seven-member committee to harmonise the different versions of the Petroleum Industry Bill passed by both chambers of the National Assembly last week.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan disclosed this on Tuesday during plenary noting that the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North) would lead the conference committee.

He announced other members of the panel to include Senators Sabo Nakudu (Jigawa North East), Albert Bassey (Akwa Ibom), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), Stella Oduah (Anambra North), and Gabriel Suswan (Benue North East).

The selected members are expected to meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives as early as possible to reconcile the differences in the two versions passed.

Mr Lawan directed that the conference committee commence sitting immediately so as to enable the National Assembly transmit the harmonised bill to Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

According to the Senate President, he expects this action to be executed as early as next week.

By Abel Ejikeme