President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, November 4, 2019 signed a bill that amended the Deep Offshore (and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract) Act. But what has gotten the internet buzzing was the fact that the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari took the bill to Buhari in London on a private visit, for the signing.

In a photo which was posted on social media, Kyari, who was wearing a suit, was seen presenting the bill to the President who was sitting down.

The President on Twitter described the signing as a landmark moment for Nigeria and appreciated the lawmakers for their cooperation in making the ‘long overdue’ amendment possible. He said; “This afternoon I assented to the Bill amending the Deep Offshore (and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract) Act. This is a landmark moment for Nigeria; let me use this opportunity to thank the National Assembly for the cooperation that produced this long overdue amendment.

“You will recall that in my 2020 Budget Presentation Speech before the National Assembly in October, I highlighted the need to urgently review the fiscal terms for deep offshore oil fields, to reflect current realities and to ensure increased government revenues.

“Now, a month later, we have together with the 9th National Assembly made history with the passage and the signing of the amended Bill into law. We will continue to work together to deliver on all our promises to ensure inclusive growth and enhance the welfare of all Nigerians.

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“Nigeria will now receive its fair, rightful and equitable share of income from our own natural resources for the first time since 2003…All attempts to amend the law on the distribution of income have failed. Until today. A combination of complicity by Nigerian politicians and feet-dragging by oil companies has, for more than a quarter-century, conspired to keep oil taxes to the barest minimum.

“Today this changes. For the first time under our amended law, 200 million Nigerians will start to receive a fair return on the surfeit of resources of our lands. Increased income will allow for new hospitals, schools, infrastructure and jobs…Today marks a new and beneficial relationship with our oil company partners: one that benefits all – starting with the Nigerian people,” the president tweeted.

The President, who will be in London for the next two weeks has failed to transfer power to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as he had done several times in the past and this implies that all  documents requiring Buhari’s signature must be taken to London for signing.

This has however generated mixed reactions from Nigerians as some question how the president has decided to give power to the Chief of Staff and not the Vice President, while some have seen nothing wrong with the chief of staff carrying out his duty.

See some reactions ….

Yetunde Adegoke