PIA Amendments: Group Threatens Nationwide Protests Over Alleged Plan to Sell National Assets

The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has vowed to mobilise Nigerians for nationwide protests against what it described as a dangerous attempt by the Federal Government to amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and sell off critical national assets.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, the group’s president, Comrade James Jonah Gbudu, accused the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, of spearheading moves that could weaken the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and hand over the country’s oil wealth to political allies.

“These amendments are the handiwork of Wale Edun, who appears to think he will be in government forever. Nigerians must resist this individualistic mentality and the planned return of the Obasanjo/Atiku era when national assets were sold off. This time, they want to sell everything to their friends and leave the NNPCL exposed,” Gbudu said.

He stressed that the movement would not watch silently while policies that mortgage Nigeria’s future are pursued. According to him, the PIA—passed into law in 2021 after more than two decades of delay—remains one of the few reforms that provides a clear framework for the oil and gas industry.

The NRM expressed concern that President Bola Tinubu may not be fully aware of the implications of the proposed amendments.

“It is barely four years since the PIA came into effect. Instead of consolidating its gains, this government is seeking to dismantle its safeguards. The NNPCL, which should be a source of national pride and steady revenue, is now being targeted under the guise of reforms. Nigerians will not stand by while their future is auctioned,” Gbudu said.

Recalling past privatisations, the NRM leader argued that such exercises had mainly enriched politically connected businessmen without delivering benefits to ordinary citizens.

“The Obasanjo/Atiku era taught us bitter lessons. NEPA was sold, yet Nigerians are still in darkness. Refineries were left moribund while billions are spent on fuel imports. We will not allow another cycle of deception,” he declared.

Instead of amending the PIA to facilitate asset sales, Gbudu urged the government to focus on transparency and accountability in the operations of the NNPCL.

“What Nigerians demand is openness. We want to see the real figures, contracts, daily production, and financial flows. That is what builds trust and efficiency. Selling off assets to cronies will only deepen corruption and rob the nation of future revenues,” he added.

The NRM said it has begun consultations with civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups, and community leaders to resist the proposed amendments.

“We are ready to lead Nigerians to the streets if necessary. This is not just about oil; it is about the survival of our commonwealth. If the government insists on amending the PIA to sell off our assets, we will mobilise nationwide protests,” Gbudu warned.