N/Delta Oil-Producing Communities Petition Reps Over PINL’s Pipeline Surveillance Contract Funds

The House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, has confirmed that the receipt of a petition from the Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities Reform Movement (ND-OCRIM), concerning the pipeline surveillance contract held by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).

Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dekor Robinson disclosed this in a statement, said the panel, has commenced the legislative process of considering the petition in accordance with the Rules of the House.

The petition, received by the Committee on 15 September 2026, raises allegations concerning the implementation of the contract and calls for a comprehensive investigation into the management and utilisation of funds received by PINL under the pipeline surveillance arrangement.

The petitioners are asking the Committee to establish the total amount received by PINL under the contract, determine how the funds have been utilised, and ascertain the extent to which resources have been deployed towards the protection and surveillance of the nation’s critical pipeline infrastructure.

Among other requests, the petition seeks a forensic review of PINL’s financial records and transactions, including transactions involving directors and related entities, as well as an assessment of the welfare and working conditions of personnel engaged in pipeline surveillance.

The petition also raises allegations concerning certain personal expenditures allegedly linked to the company’s Managing Director, Dr Osahon Okunbor, including alleged luxury property acquisitions and private-jet travel.

The petitioners have asked the Committee to establish whether any such expenditure was financed from revenues accruing to PINL under the pipeline surveillance contract.

The Committee stressed that these are allegations contained in the petition and have not been established as facts.

“Where the allegations are substantiated following the Committee’s investigation, the petitioners have requested that the Committee consider recommending appropriate action, including the possible revocation of the contract.

“The Committee has commenced the legislative process of considering the petition in accordance with the Rules of the House. As part of the process, the petitioners will be required to substantiate the allegations contained in their submission, while PINL and its Managing Director will be afforded a full and fair opportunity to respond.

“Relevant government agencies, host community representatives and other stakeholders will also be invited to make submissions as the Committee undertakes its consideration of the matter.

“The Committee’s interest is firmly centred on accountability in the management of public resources, the protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets, effective pipeline surveillance and the welfare of host communities and surveillance personnel.

“The Committee therefore called on members of the public and the media to allow the legislative process to run its course and to avoid prejudging the outcome of the investigation.

“At the conclusion of its proceedings, the Committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives for further consideration and appropriate legislative action,” the statement added.