Politics

Don’t Tamper with PIA, Atiku Warns Lawmakers

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on September 15th, 2025.

Don’t Tamper with PIA, Atiku Warns Lawmakers

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned the National Assembly against making hasty amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), warning that such a move could destabilize Nigeria’s already fragile oil and gas sector.

Atiku described the PIA as one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, noting that while no law is perfect, constant attempts to alter it barely two years after its enactment would erode investor confidence and stall progress.

“The Petroleum Industry Act was conceived after nearly two decades of deliberations and consultations. To rush into amending it now is not only premature but also dangerous for the stability of our energy sector,” Atiku said in a statement.

He stressed that the global oil and gas market is highly competitive, with investors watching closely how host countries handle regulatory frameworks. According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to scare away potential investments through policy inconsistency and legislative somersaults.

Atiku urged lawmakers to prioritize effective implementation of the PIA instead of seeking to tamper with its provisions. He argued that what Nigeria needs is the political will to enforce the law transparently, ensure accountability, and channel petroleum revenues into national development.

He also called on the Federal Government to focus on addressing operational bottlenecks, strengthening regulatory agencies, and tackling corruption in the industry.

“The real challenge is not in the law itself, but in how faithfully it is implemented. Until we fix issues of governance, mismanagement, and inefficiency, no amendment will deliver the results Nigerians expect,” Atiku added.

Observers believe Atiku’s intervention comes at a crucial time when debates around revisiting the PIA have raised fears of political interference in a sector that is the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

With this warning, the former Vice President has once again positioned himself as a vocal advocate for stability and investor-friendly reforms in Nigeria’s pet

roleum industry.