A bill for a law to establish the Anambra state oil producing areas development commission and for related matters have passed second reading at the Anambra state house of assembly.
Honourable Chukwunonso Nobel Igwe who is the chief sponsor of the bill while explaining emphasised on the importance of creating the commission.
According to Igwe;“This bill if passed into law will help in monitoring oil theft. This commission will liese with oil producing and processing companies for the control and effective measure of oil pollution, spillages and other progress in oil producing areas of the state like Ogbaru, Anambra East and West constituency.
“As an oil producing state who gets thirteen percent from the federal government, this commission will ensure the proper use to the resources to develop rural areas where the oils are been extracted because oil processing comes with environmental problems.
Honourable Uzoma Eli, Emeka Aforka, Emma Nwafor and deputy speaker Rr. Hon. Pascal Agbodike in their separate submission outlined the benefits of the bill and supported its passage.
“The commission of this bill will help to control the hazards that comes with oil processing because most of the community producing oil are around the riverine areas and are mostly farmers, so
are needed.
“This bill will enable the commission to maintain harmonious and cordial relationships between the oil producing communities, companies and government. There won’t be crises. It will enhance the confidence and believe of the people towards government.
“oil in Nigeria is a blessing but if not properly managed, might be a curse. The sharing formula of the resources will be properly handled by this commission.
Anambra Speaker Rt. Honourable Uche Okafor refered the bill to the newly created house committee on petroleum and mineral resources chaired by Honourable Nonso Smart Okafor and were given two weeks to submit a report.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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