The Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities Reform Movement (ND-OCRIM) has called on the House of Representatives to launch a comprehensive investigation into the operations, finances and performance of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The group, in a petition submitted to the House Committee on Host Communities, raised concerns over the management of funds allegedly released to PINL for pipeline surveillance and questioned whether the expenditure has translated into improved protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
ND-OCRIM urged the committee to conduct a forensic review of the company’s financial records and invite its Managing Director, Dr. Osahon Okunbor, to respond to the allegations contained in the petition.
The organisation said lawmakers should establish the total amount received by PINL under its pipeline surveillance contract, how the funds were spent and the extent to which they were deployed in line with contractual obligations.
It also urged the committee to determine whether the surveillance arrangement has contributed to measurable improvements in pipeline security, crude oil production and the reduction of oil theft.
ND-OCRIM alleged that some funds may have been diverted from operational activities to personal expenditure and private interests. It cited allegations involving luxury properties, private aviation, expensive accommodation and other high-value expenses reportedly associated with the company’s management.
However, the group stressed that the allegations should not be treated as established facts, insisting that they require independent verification through a transparent forensic investigation.
It called for scrutiny of PINL’s bank accounts, financial statements, directors’ remuneration and allowances, international travels, accommodation expenses, vehicle purchases, security expenditure, loans and advances to directors, as well as related-party transactions.
The group also asked lawmakers to investigate alleged acquisition or financing of luxury properties in major international cities, determine their ownership and sources of funding, and establish whether there are any links between the alleged acquisitions and PINL or revenue from its surveillance operations.
Similarly, ND-OCRIM urged the committee to examine alleged private-jet expenditure and other luxury activities reportedly connected to the company’s management, including whether company funds were used directly or indirectly to finance such expenses.
The organisation further requested an examination of PINL’s corporate structure, including subsidiaries, affiliates, special-purpose vehicles, nominee companies and offshore entities allegedly linked to the company.
According to the group, lawmakers should establish the beneficial ownership of such entities and scrutinise significant financial transactions between them and PINL.
Beyond the financial allegations, ND-OCRIM said the investigation should also determine whether PINL is meeting its contractual responsibilities, particularly against the backdrop of continuing pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and revenue losses in the petroleum sector.
The group said the committee should assess PINL’s performance against its contractual obligations and determine whether the surveillance contract is delivering measurable results.
“If substantial resources continue to be committed to pipeline surveillance, the Committee must establish whether the arrangement is delivering the results expected of it,” ND-OCRIM said.
It also urged lawmakers to hear from host communities, pipeline surveillance workers and other stakeholders to obtain independent accounts of the company’s operations and performance.
Among its demands, the organisation listed a comprehensive investigation into PINL and its management, the invitation of Okunbor before the committee, forensic examination of the company’s accounts and bank transactions, and tracing of funds received under the pipeline surveillance contract.
ND-OCRIM also wants the alleged misuse or diversion of contract funds, luxury property acquisitions, private-jet expenditure, directors’ transactions and dealings with related companies investigated.
The group further called for scrutiny of the welfare and remuneration of pipeline surveillance workers and an assessment of PINL’s compliance with its contractual obligations to the Federal Government.
It said sanctions should be recommended if the investigation establishes financial impropriety, material non-performance or breaches of contractual obligations.
Such sanctions, it added, could include termination or revocation of the pipeline surveillance contract where justified by the findings.
ND-OCRIM maintained that its petition was aimed at protecting Nigeria’s petroleum infrastructure and ensuring that public funds committed to pipeline surveillance deliver measurable value.
“No individual or company entrusted with a national security and economic responsibility should be beyond scrutiny,” the group said, calling for a transparent and evidence-based investigation by the House committee.
