Victims demand ₦160bn compensation from NNPCL over Ilorin demolitions

Victims whose properties were affected by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company LimitedNigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) demolitions want over ₦160 billion in compensation.

The demolitions, which occurred in 2018 along the pipeline and Tanke Road in Ilorin, were carried out to clear the pipeline’s right-of-way.

However, the victims claim that the Nigerian Army engineers destroyed 976 structures under the directive of NNPCL.

Tope Ajetumobi, representing the affected individuals, stated that the House of Representatives Public Petitions Committee passed a resolution in 2019 requiring NNPCL to assess the value of the damaged properties and negotiate compensation with the victims.

Ajetumobi said that NNPCL has failed to comply with this resolution.

He said, “The House of Representatives passed a resolution on the 30th of May, 2019, that NNPC should assess the value of the properties so damaged and negotiate with the victims. But NNPC both declined and ignored this.”

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“The matter was brought again to the Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the 9th Assembly, and every effort put in place by the House Committee on Legislative Compliance was thwarted by the NNPCL.”

Ajetunmobi reported that despite multiple invitations from the House of Representatives, including those for inspections and hearings, NNPCL only honoured a few.

“Out of 17 invitations given to the NNPCL, only three were honoured, including the forceful inspection that took place on January 24, 2023.

“The matter was brought up again in the 10th Assembly with the Speaker Honourable Tajudeen Abass. He summoned them to the Public Petition Committee. As usual, the NNPCL refused to show up.”

The victims have now appealed to President Bola Tinubu that he intervene and ensure they receive compensation of ₦160.75 billion.