The Senate on Thursday adopted a three percent allocation to host communities in the Petroleum Industry Bill, despite protests by southern lawmakers at the National Assembly.

The southern lawmakers had demanded for five percent for host communities.

The number in dispute is the percentage of their total operating expenses (OPEX) oil companies are expected to contribute to a trust fund created for host communities.

On Thursday, two southern senators George Sekibo and Seriake Dickson raised concerns over the approval.

Senator Sekibo said he is not part of the vote on the allocation clause and Senator Dickson said his privilege had been breached as his views were not accommodated.

However, Senate President Ahmad Lawan replied that the Senate had taken a resolution on the matter and could not go back on its decision.