A group of people whose properties were damaged during a demolition by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) are now seeking compensation totaling more than ₦160 billion. This demolition, which occurred in 2018, took down structures along the pipeline and Tanke Road in Ilorin, affecting many residents. According to these individuals, 976 buildings were destroyed by the Nigerian Army engineers under the orders of the NNPCL.
Tope Ajetumobi, speaking on behalf of the affected victims, shared that in 2019, the House of Representatives Public Petitions Committee passed a resolution. This resolution instructed the NNPCL to assess the damage and negotiate with the victims to provide fair compensation. Despite this, the victims claim that the NNPCL has ignored these directives.
Ajetumobi explained, “On May 30, 2019, the House of Representatives passed a resolution asking the NNPC to evaluate the damage to the properties and start negotiations with the victims. However, NNPC declined and paid no attention to this directive.
“The issue was brought to the attention of Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the 9th Assembly. Yet, every effort made by the House Committee on Legislative Compliance was blocked by the NNPCL. Out of 17 invitations sent to the NNPCL, they only responded to three, including a forced inspection that happened on January 24, 2023.
“The matter resurfaced in the 10th Assembly with Speaker Honourable Tajudeen Abass, who also summoned the NNPCL to appear before the Public Petitions Committee. True to form, the NNPCL failed to attend.”
The victims are now appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to step in and help them secure the compensation they believe they are owed, which amounts to ₦160.75 billion.
