2019: Presidential Aspirants To Debate Plans For Oil Sector In Lagos

Some presidential aspirants have given indication that they will marshalling their plans and programmes for the oil and gas sector of Nigeria’s economy and convince the electorate of their capacity and readiness to ensure economic growth and development of the country.

The event slated for Wednesday, September 26, 2018 is under the auspices of the OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative (OAI), under its inaugural Development Dialogue Series (DDS).

The objective of the DDS according to the organisers is to allow aspirants across party lines address industry experts, civil society leaders and the media on their understanding of the oil and gas industry and how they intend to turn the fortunes of the industry for the better. The high profile event will hold at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.

A statement by Oke Epia, Executive Director of OAI, said aspirants billed to attend the first in the series include Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Kano State governor and incumbent senator, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Prof (Mrs.) Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, all of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Others are Mr. Tope Fasua of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ARNP), Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), Prof (Mrs.) Remi Sonaiya and Adeshina Fagbenro-Byron of KOWA party, Dr. Yunusa Tanko of the National Conscience Party (NCP); and Comrade Jaye Gaskia of the Sustainable National Party (SNP). Also expected are Dr. Baba Datti-Ahmed (PDP); Omoyele Sowore of the Africa Action Congress (AAC) and Prof. Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Peoples Party (YPP).

The statement noted that the stalled sector reforms reflected by the non-assent to the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) has brought the issues of growth, development and sustainability of the economy into sharp focus, thereby making it expedient for aspirants to the office of president in 2019 to address Nigerians on the matter.

“The situation with the PIGB indicates the need for deep reflection, introspection and fresh perspectives on the fate of both the reforms contemplated by the PIGB and indeed the entire oil and gas industry of the country,” the statement noted, adding: “Given the impending general elections and the inevitable opportunities it provides to rethink, reconsider and offer options for national development, those aspiring for the office of President should convince Nigerians that they have sufficient understanding of the oil and gas sector and have clearly thought out ideas of how to make the enormous wealth of the country work for the overall benefit of citizens,” Epia said.