Pipeline surveillance: 55 lawmakers move confidence vote on Tinubu, PINL, NNPCL, others

About 55 members of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities have handed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and PINL’s Managing Director, Osahon Okunbor, commending their contributions to the success of pipeline surveillance operations, improved crude oil manufacturing and the safety of important oil and fuel infrastructure in Nigeria.

The lawmakers additionally dismissed allegations of ineffectiveness and monetary recklessness levelled in opposition to PINL, following an investigation by the Committee’s technical subcommittee, which discovered the allegations unsubstantiated by the proof offered.

The lawmakers’ choice adopted a complete evaluation of PINL’s pipeline surveillance contract and its influence on crude oil manufacturing, safety and neighborhood growth within the Niger Delta.

The report was offered at a particular sitting of the Committee on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, after the subcommittee concluded its investigation into the allegations regarding PINL’s pipeline surveillance contract.

In its findings, the subcommittee advisable that the petition be dismissed in its entirety, noting that the allegations weren’t substantiated by the proof offered throughout its proceedings.

The Chairman of the Committee on Host Communities, in his opening remarks, reiterated the dedication of the House of Representatives to equity, accountability and due course of, stressing that each allegation introduced earlier than the legislature have to be examined in opposition to proof earlier than conclusions are reached.

He recalled that the Committee acquired the petition dated September 5, 2026, and subsequently referred it to a subcommittee to make sure a radical and neutral examination of the problems raised.

According to him, the Committee had assured all events of a good listening to in step with the Rules of the House, recognising the significance of accountability within the administration of public sources, the safety of important nationwide property, efficient pipeline surveillance and the welfare of host communities.

He recommended the chairman and members of the technical subcommittee for his or her diligence and dedication in finishing up the project.

The report additionally highlighted PINL’s contributions to pipeline safety, neighborhood growth and the soundness of crude oil manufacturing in Nigeria’s Eastern Corridor.

Among the achievements documented was the employment of greater than 35,600 youths as pipeline surveillance guards, a growth that has offered authentic sources of livelihood for hundreds of younger folks throughout the corporate’s areas of operation.

The subcommittee additional acknowledged PINL’s instructional interventions, together with greater than 5,000 scholarships awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate college students from host communities.

These initiatives embrace a ₦2 billion scholarship programme supporting 1,500 college students throughout Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia and Imo States, with 600 beneficiaries in Bayelsa State receiving scholarships starting from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million every.

The report additionally recognised the corporate’s abilities acquisition and financial empowerment programmes for ladies and ladies. More than 4,000 girls and ladies have reportedly acquired coaching in vocational trades and small-business growth.

Under the Women’s Skills Development and Enterprise Programme, PINL focused 2,000 girls and ladies throughout 215 host communities, together with 1,000 girls in Bayelsa State who acquired ₦250,000 every.

In addition, the corporate offered reduction supplies to greater than 10 communities in Rivers State affected by the 2022 and 2023 floods, whereas extending meals financial institution and palliative help to host communities and surveillance personnel throughout its operational areas.

The report famous that such interventions contribute to making a secure working setting by giving host communities a better stake within the safety of important oil and fuel infrastructure.

In its suggestions, the subcommittee referred to as for robust commendation of PINL for its position in stabilising crude oil manufacturing within the Eastern Corridor.

It additional advisable that the corporate’s operational deployment be sustained as a part of persevering with efforts to guard oil infrastructure and help the Federal Government’s goal of accelerating crude oil manufacturing to between 2.5 million and three million barrels per day.

The report additionally urged the federal authorities to encourage and develop the scope of PINL’s actions over an extended interval to consolidate the positive factors recorded in pipeline safety, youth employment, neighborhood engagement and sustainable crude oil manufacturing.