The presidency has distanced itself from a document being circulated purported to be the new Petroleum Industry Bill, saying the authentic bill was still undergoing finalisation stage by relevant government departments for onward transmission to the National Assembly.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati urged the general public and all stakeholders in the country’s oil and gas industry to “ignore the document currently in circulation as it is totally fake and lacking in authenticity”.
Abati noted that the bonafide new Petroleum Industry Bill, when delivered to the National Assembly under the official Seal of the President, will be available to all interested parties.
The statement made available to LEADERSHIP reads in part: “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”.