The Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities Reform Movement (ND-OCRIM) has petitioned the House Committee on Host Communities to investigate Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) over allegations of financial recklessness and poor performance in protecting Nigeria's critical petroleum infrastructure. ND-OCRIM submitted the petition, demanding a full-scale investigation into PINL's operations, finances, and performance. The group alleges that PINL has raised serious accountability questions that require urgent legislative scrutiny.
ND-OCRIM specifically called for a forensic examination of funds received by PINL for pipeline surveillance, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know how much has been paid to the company, how the money was spent, and what proportion was actually deployed to protect the nation's oil and gas infrastructure. The group also demanded that PINL's Managing Director, Dr. Osahon Okunbor, appear before the committee to respond to the allegations. ND-OCRIM stressed that the allegations were not being presented as established facts but as matters requiring independent verification through a transparent forensic investigation.
According to ND-OCRIM, the scale of resources reportedly committed to pipeline surveillance makes it imperative for the National Assembly to establish whether the expenditure has translated into measurable improvements in pipeline security, crude oil production, and reduction in oil theft. The organisation alleged that funds received by PINL may have been diverted from operational activities to personal expenditure and private interests. It cited allegations concerning luxury properties, private aviation, expensive accommodation, and other high-value expenditures allegedly associated with the company's management.
The group demanded that lawmakers trace funds received by PINL under its pipeline surveillance contract and determine whether they were deployed in accordance with contractual obligations. Of particular concern are allegations surrounding the acquisition or financing of luxury properties in major international cities. ND-OCRIM asked the committee to establish the ownership of such properties, identify their sources of funding, and determine whether there were any links between the alleged acquisitions, PINL, or revenues generated from its surveillance activities.
ND-OCRIM also requested that the committee hear from host communities, pipeline surveillance workers, and other stakeholders to obtain independent accounts of PINL's operations and performance. The organisation listed among its demands a comprehensive investigation into PINL and its management; invitation of Okunbor before the committee; forensic review of the company's accounts and bank transactions; tracing of funds received under the pipeline surveillance contract; and investigation of alleged diversion or misuse of contract funds.
The group further asked lawmakers to investigate alleged luxury property acquisitions, private-jet expenditure, transactions involving directors and related parties, companies allegedly linked to PINL's management, and financial relationships between PINL and associated entities. ND-OCRIM also urged the lawmakers to recommend sanctions if the investigation establishes financial impropriety, material non-performance, or breaches of contractual obligations. Such sanctions could include termination or revocation of the pipeline surveillance contract, where justified by the findings.
ND-OCRIM maintained that the petition was driven by the need to protect Nigeria's petroleum infrastructure and ensure that public resources committed to pipeline surveillance produce measurable results. The organisation demanded a transparent, comprehensive, and evidence-based investigation by the House committee, stressing that no individual or company entrusted with a national security and economic responsibility should be beyond scrutiny.
Key points
- ND-OCRIM petitions House Committee on Host Communities to investigate PINL over alleged financial recklessness and poor performance.
- The group demands a forensic examination of funds received by PINL for pipeline surveillance and transparency in the company's operations.
- The investigation aims to establish whether PINL's expenditure has translated into measurable improvements in pipeline security, crude oil production, and reduction in oil theft.
