Speakers at a workshop on implication of Petroleum Industrial Bill(PIB) on Gender in Nigeria have called for more involvement of women in the oil and gas sector.
They made their positions known at a workshop jointly organized by Nigeria Association of Women Journalists held in Lagos.
One of them and Senior Partner, Commercial Contracts and Energy, Mr Israel Aye, pointed out that one major challenge of the petroleum industry COVID 19 pandemic resulted to the strongest recession since 1929 and would take several years to recover from the effect of the global pandemic.
He further stated that the increased level of uncertainty about oil demand became an important element in making decisions on the optimal exploitation of petroleum resources.
Mr. Aye was of the opinion that countries with abundant petroleum are advised to accelerate the exploration and development before possible international oil demands patterns may make oil production less attractive.
Another guest, Mr Joe Nwakwue, said Nigeria oil and gas industry accounts for more than 90percent of fiscal revenue, even though it represents only 8.5percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He regretted that the interest and representation of women in the industry are limited in ways that are mostly unplanned. Mr Nnakwue therefore canvassed adequate gender representation not necessarily a formula for gender representation on the board.
Contributing, Mr Ikem Okuhu stated that women as better managers should be given equal opportunity with their male counterparts.
Comrade Omobola Akingbehin, Vice President, Zone B, gave the closing remarks. Present at the workshop were Deputy National President, Comrade Lilian Ogabu; Vice President Zone F, Comrade Uduak Ikang Obeten; Zonal Secretary Zone F, Comrade Eunice Emeyazia and Chairperson, Edo NAWOJ, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan, amongst others.
