By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities has recommended an extension of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited’s (PINL) pipeline surveillance contract, following findings that its operations have contributed to improved crude oil transportation and reduced pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
The recommendation was contained in a subcommittee report adopted at a special sitting of the committee on Tuesday, alongside a resolution dismissing allegations against PINL and its Managing Director, Dr. Osahon Okunbor, for lack of substantiating evidence.
The committee also passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the management of NNPC Limited, Okunbor and other pipeline surveillance contractors cited in the report, commending their contributions to efforts to secure oil and gas infrastructure and improve production.
The petition against PINL was filed on September 5, 2026, by the Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities Reform Movement (ND-OCRIM). It raised concerns over alleged irregularities in contract implementation, management of contract funds, the Managing Director’s personal expenditure and the welfare of surveillance personnel.
The petitioners also called for a forensic review of PINL’s finances. However, the subcommittee observed that the group failed to appear before it despite invitations issued on September 14, September 22 and October 5. It further stated that neither representatives nor documentary evidence were provided to support the claims.
In contrast, PINL appeared before the subcommittee and submitted a written report titled The Impact of PINL Operations on Oil Production and Stability of the Niger Delta, accompanied by geotagged photographs to support its account of activities in the region.
On the strength of the submissions before it, the subcommittee concluded that the allegations against the company and its Managing Director had not been substantiated. It consequently recommended the dismissal of the petition and the discontinuation of further investigations into the issues raised.
A key highlight of the report was the improvement in crude oil delivery to the Bonny Terminal through the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP). According to data submitted by PINL, the proportion of crude reaching the terminal increased from three per cent in May 2022 to 98 per cent in September 2026.
The report also cited the resumption of operations at Oil Mining Lease 11, which had reportedly remained shut for 18 months before being restarted within 90 days of PINL’s engagement.
Other operational figures presented to the subcommittee showed that 2,049 illegal pipeline connections had been remediated, while 1,010 illegal refinery clusters were reportedly destroyed as part of efforts to combat crude oil theft and protect critical infrastructure.
PINL stated that its operations, which commenced in August 2022, covered 215 host communities and involved more than 35,600 surveillance guards. Its operational assets included 28 forward bases, 130 boats, 175 vehicles and 25 drones, alongside 454 personnel from government security agencies.
Beyond pipeline protection, the report highlighted the company’s community development interventions, including more than 5,000 scholarships, skills acquisition programmes for over 4,000 women and girls, and flood relief assistance to more than 10 communities in Rivers State.
The committee commended NNPC Limited for providing an enabling environment for pipeline surveillance activities but urged PINL to sustain its engagement with host communities and pay continued attention to the welfare of surveillance personnel.
The lawmakers’ recommendation comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to increase crude oil production, reduce losses arising from theft and vandalism, and strengthen the contribution of the petroleum sector to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
Production figures attributed to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) put Nigeria’s crude oil output at approximately 1.50 million barrels per day in August 2026, while production including condensates stood at about 1.68 million barrels per day.
Average production was also reported to have risen from approximately 1.388 million barrels per day in the first quarter of 2026 to 1.525 million barrels per day in the second quarter. However, the figures remained below the 2026 budget benchmark of 1.84 million barrels per day.
The subcommittee’s recommendation for an extension of PINL’s contract is therefore expected to form part of broader discussions on sustaining pipeline security and restoring production from shut-in assets.
The report is expected to be presented to the full House of Representatives for consideration and adoption.
