The House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities has recommended the dismissal of a petition accusing Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and its Managing Director, Dr. Osahon Okunbor, of contract irregularities, alleged mismanagement of funds and neglect of pipeline surveillance personnel.
The committee’s position followed an investigation by its subcommittee, which concluded that the allegations had not been substantiated by the evidence presented during the proceedings.
The petition was filed on September 5, 2026, by the Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities Reform Movement (ND-OCRIM). It raised concerns about the implementation of PINL’s pipeline surveillance contract, the management of contract funds, the need for a forensic review of the company’s finances and the welfare of its field personnel.
According to reports published on Tuesday, October 13, the subcommittee recommended that the petition be dismissed and further investigation into the allegations discontinued.
The subcommittee reportedly invited the petitioners to appear before it on September 14, September 22 and October 5, but they failed to attend or send representatives.
The panel said the group also did not provide documentary evidence to support its allegations.
PINL, on the other hand, appeared before the subcommittee and submitted a written report detailing its operations and contributions to pipeline security. The company also presented geotagged photographs in support of its account.
Based on the materials before it, the subcommittee concluded that the allegations against PINL and Okunbor remained unproven.
However, reports on the findings indicated that PINL’s submission did not directly address every allegation concerning contract funds and the managing director’s personal expenditure. Those claims were considered unsubstantiated in the proceedings because the petitioners failed to provide supporting evidence. The recommendation does not amount to an independent forensic audit of the company’s finances.
During the investigation, PINL highlighted its work in protecting oil infrastructure and supporting crude oil evacuation in the Niger Delta.
Figures submitted by the company indicated that the proportion of crude reaching the Bonny Terminal through the Trans Niger Pipeline rose from three per cent in May 2022 to 98 per cent in September 2026.
The company also reported that Oil Mining Lease 11, which had remained shut for 18 months, resumed operations within 90 days of its engagement.
Other figures presented to the panel included the remediation of 2,049 illegal pipeline connections and the destruction of 1,010 illegal refinery clusters.
PINL said its operations covered 215 host communities and involved more than 35,600 surveillance guards, supported by boats, vehicles, drones and personnel from government security agencies.
These figures were based on information presented by the company and cited in the committee’s review.
Beyond recommending the dismissal of the petition, the committee urged PINL to sustain its pipeline protection activities, maintain engagement with host communities and pay continued attention to the welfare of surveillance personnel.
The panel also recommended that the Federal Government extend the company’s pipeline surveillance contract, citing its reported contribution to protecting oil infrastructure and improving crude oil deliveries.
The recommendations come as Nigeria continues efforts to combat crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining, which have affected production and government revenue.
The committee’s findings provide an account of the evidence presented during its inquiry. The dismissal recommendation should not be interpreted as proof that every aspect of PINL’s operations or finances has undergone an independent audit.