Williams Urges Full Implementation of Petroleum Industry Act to Boost Investment, Production

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, has called for the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to attract investment, increase oil and gas production and ensure that host communities benefit meaningfully from Nigeria’s petroleum resources.

Williams made the call on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, while delivering his opening remarks at a stakeholders’ engagement programme themed, “The Petroleum Industry Act Implementation Journey: Industry Impact and the Path Forward,” held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The programme, organised by NNPC Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Neo Mundo Limited and other participating institutions, provided a platform to assess the impact of the Act and explore strategies for advancing the sustainable development of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

The senator described the PIA as a landmark reform that has strengthened the regulatory framework of the petroleum sector, enhanced institutional clarity and opened new opportunities for private-sector investment.

He, however, stressed that the true success of the legislation should be measured by its tangible outcomes, particularly its capacity to attract investments, increase production, promote local content and improve the living conditions of communities hosting oil and gas operations.

Williams also underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of Host Communities Development Trusts, noting that the provisions of the Act must translate into visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education and sustainable livelihoods for host communities.

To achieve these objectives, the lawmaker outlined five key priorities for stakeholders: improved regulatory efficiency, increased investment and production, stronger institutional coordination, effective host community development and measurable implementation outcomes.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly, through the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), to providing effective legislative oversight and maintaining constructive engagement with relevant institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure the full realisation of the Act’s objectives.

The senator further urged government agencies, regulators, industry operators and host communities to strengthen collaboration and embrace a shared commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s petroleum resources contribute meaningfully to economic growth, national development and the welfare of citizens.

Williams subsequently invited the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, to officially declare the stakeholders’ engagement open.

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