By George Ozalla
The House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities has commenced an investigation into the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), following allegations of financial impropriety and demands by oil-producing communities for a forensic examination of the company’s operations and finances.
The investigation followed a petition submitted by the Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities Reform Movement (ND-OCRIM) and received by the committee on September 15, 2026.
The petition calls for a comprehensive investigation into the implementation of the pipeline surveillance contract, the funds received by PINL and how the money has been utilised in the execution of its responsibilities.
The petitioners want the committee to establish the total amount paid to PINL under the contract and determine how much of the funds was actually deployed to pipeline surveillance and the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.
They also asked the lawmakers to examine PINL’s financial records and transactions, including dealings involving its directors and related entities.
Another area raised in the petition concerns the welfare and working conditions of personnel engaged in pipeline surveillance operations in the oil-producing communities.
The petition also contains allegations concerning certain personal expenditures allegedly linked to the Managing Director of PINL, Dr. Osahon Okunbor.
Among the matters raised are alleged acquisition of luxury properties and private-jet travel, with the petitioners asking the committee to establish whether any of the expenditures were financed from funds accruing to PINL under the pipeline surveillance contract.
The allegations have, however, not been established as facts.
Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dekor Robinson, said the committee would subject the issues raised in the petition to proper legislative scrutiny and ensure that all parties are given the opportunity to present their positions.
Robinson said the petitioners would be required to substantiate the allegations contained in their submission, while PINL and its Managing Director would be given a full and fair opportunity to respond.
He said relevant government agencies, representatives of host communities and other stakeholders would also be invited to make submissions as the investigation progresses.
The committee is expected to examine the accountability surrounding the management of funds under the surveillance arrangement, the effectiveness of the pipeline protection system and the extent to which the contract has achieved its purpose.
The lawmakers will also look into the condition of surveillance personnel and issues affecting host communities within the areas covered by the contract.
The petitioners are asking the House to consider appropriate action if the allegations are established, including possible revocation of the pipeline surveillance contract.
The committee said its proceedings would be guided by the Rules of the House and that its eventual findings and recommendations would be submitted to the House of Representatives for further consideration and appropriate legislative action.
Robinson also urged the public and the media not to prejudge the matter, stressing that the investigation would provide the various parties an opportunity to present evidence and respond to the allegations before the committee reaches its conclusions.
